State-Sponsored Cyber Operations in Africa: A 2026 Assessment

Introduction

As of March 2026, Africa has witnessed a significant escalation in state-sponsored cyber operations, reflecting a global trend of increasing cyber capabilities among nation-states. These activities encompass a range of operations, from espionage and data breaches to disruptive attacks targeting critical infrastructure. This briefing provides an overview of recent developments, identifies key threat actors, and assesses regional responses to these challenges.

Recent Developments

South African Cyber Defense Enhancements

In December 2025, South African Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga highlighted the South African National Defence Force's (SANDF) "robust" cyber defense measures. These measures are integrated into the SANDF's warfighting strategies, emphasizing the importance of cyber capabilities within the national defense framework. (defenceweb.co.za)

Nigerian Cyber Warfare Command

The establishment of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command in 2020 marked a significant advancement in Nigeria's cyber defense capabilities. In March 2026, South African Army Chief Lt.-Gen. Lawrence Mbatha commended Nigeria's professionalism and growing capacity in cyber warfare during a visit to the command in Abuja. This collaboration underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing cyber threats. (vanguardngr.com)

U.S. Africa Command's Technological Initiatives

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has prioritized technology as an enabler of African-led security. In January 2026, AFRICOM Commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson emphasized the role of cyber awareness and data integration in modern security cooperation, highlighting the necessity for trusted networks and resilient systems in the region. (defensescoop.com)

Identified Threat Actors

State-Aligned Actors from China, Russia, and Iran

Recent intelligence reports indicate that state-aligned actors from China, Russia, and Iran are intensifying cyber operations targeting defense entities globally, including those in Africa. These actors employ tactics such as malware deployment, phishing, and credential harvesting to infiltrate and disrupt critical systems. (itweb.co.za)

Regional Militants

While not state-sponsored, regional militant groups like Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), continue to pose significant cyber threats. In January 2026, coordinated attacks in Sabon Gari, Borno State, Nigeria, resulted in numerous fatalities, highlighting the persistent security challenges in the region. (en.wikipedia.org)

Regional Responses

Cybersecurity Collaborations

In August 2025, Resecurity, a Los Angeles-based cybersecurity firm, partnered with AfricaCERT, the continent's leading organization for coordinating national and regional computer emergency response teams. This collaboration aims to enhance real-time monitoring of cyber threats and improve incident response capabilities across African nations. (military.africa)

Military Exercises and Technological Integration

The U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) has been actively involved in integrating emerging technologies into military operations. Notably, during the African Lion 2026 exercise, over 40 technology vendors are set to test advanced military innovations alongside U.S. military forces in Morocco. This initiative seeks to accelerate the deployment of technological innovations in operational settings. (army.mil)

Conclusion

The landscape of state-sponsored cyber operations in Africa is evolving rapidly, with both external and internal actors contributing to the complexity of the threat environment. Regional initiatives, such as enhanced cyber defense measures and international collaborations, are crucial in bolstering Africa's resilience against these cyber threats. Continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies will be essential to address the dynamic nature of cyber warfare on the continent.

Sources

• South African Army Chief hails Nigerian Army’s cyber warfare capability
• SA’s cyber defences exposed as global threats intensify
• U.S. Africa Command prioritizes technology as ‘an enabler of African-led security’
• Resecurity Partner AfricaCERT to Advance Cybersecurity Across Africa
• 2026 Kwara State attacks

Highlights:

• S/African Army Chief hails Nigerian Army’s cyber warfare capability - Vanguard News, Published on Sunday, March 08
• SA’s cyber defences exposed as global threats intensify | ITWeb, Published on Sunday, February 15
• U.S. Africa Command prioritizes technology as ‘an enabler of African-led security’ | DefenseScoop, Published on Wednesday, January 28