State-Sponsored Cyber Operations Intensify in Africa Amid Rising Threats

Executive Summary

Recent developments indicate a significant escalation in state-sponsored cyber operations across Africa. Nigeria and Morocco have emerged as primary targets, with sophisticated attacks aimed at critical infrastructure and government entities. These incidents underscore the growing geopolitical tensions and the strategic importance of cyber capabilities in the region.

Nigeria: Surge in Cyberattacks and Military Strikes

In January 2026, Nigerian organizations experienced an average of 4,701 cyberattacks per week, marking a 12% year-on-year increase. This surge positions Nigeria at the forefront of cyber threats in Africa. The most targeted sectors include telecommunications, government, and financial services. (nairametrics.com)

Concurrently, the United States, in coordination with the Nigerian government, conducted airstrikes on December 25, 2025, targeting Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria. These strikes aimed to disrupt the operations of groups such as Sahel Province and Lakurawa, which have been implicated in regional instability. (en.wikipedia.org)

Morocco: Escalating Cyber Threats

Morocco has faced an increasingly complex cyber threat environment, with 12.6 million web-based attack attempts in 2024 targeting both public institutions and critical private sectors such as finance, telecom, and manufacturing. The country ranks among Africa’s top targets for digital attacks, recording 26 nation-state cyber events between July 2024 and June 2025. (news.microsoft.com)

Emerging Threat Actors and Tactics

The rise in cyberattacks in Africa is attributed to both state-sponsored and non-state actors. Groups such as Anonymous Sudan have been active since 2023, conducting over 35,000 distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks against various targets, including government agencies and critical infrastructure. While they claim ideological motives, there have been instances of attempted extortion. (en.wikipedia.org)

Additionally, the Islamic State's Sahel Province and West Africa Province have demonstrated increasing cyber capabilities, as evidenced by their January 2026 attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger. This operation resulted in the destruction of at least five military aircraft and highlighted the group's expanding cyber operational scope. (en.wikipedia.org)

Regional Responses and Strategic Initiatives

In response to the escalating cyber threats, African nations are enhancing their cybersecurity frameworks. Mali, for instance, adopted the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2026-2030, aiming to coordinate the protection of information systems nationwide. This strategy addresses the lack of a unified mechanism and seeks to improve cybersecurity governance and disseminate a digital security culture. (apanews.net)

Furthermore, the Chief of the South African Army, Lt.-Gen. Lawrence Mbatha, commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and growing capacity in cyber warfare during a visit to the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command in Abuja. This recognition underscores the importance of cyber capabilities in modern military strategy and the need for regional cooperation to address cyber threats. (vanguardngr.com)

Conclusion

The intensification of state-sponsored cyber operations in Africa reflects a broader global trend of leveraging cyber capabilities for geopolitical objectives. Nations across the continent are recognizing the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures and are taking proactive steps to safeguard their digital infrastructures. Ongoing collaboration and strategic initiatives will be essential in mitigating the risks associated with these evolving cyber threats.

Highlights:

• Nigeria tops Africa in cyber-attacks as organisations face 4,701 weekly incidents - Nairametrics, Published on Wednesday, February 11
• Mali adopts strategy to shape cybersecurity | APAnews - African Press Agency, Published on Wednesday, December 03
• S/African Army Chief hails Nigerian Army’s cyber warfare capability - Vanguard News, Published on Sunday, March 08