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The rise of the “shadow employee”: When ex-employees still have access

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Imagine a marketing manager who left a company six months ago, taking their personal laptop with them. On it, unbeknownst to anyone, was a cached login to a shared cloud drive containing sensitive client proposals and campaign strategies – access that was simply overlooked during offboarding. Months later, the ex-employee accidentally drags a folder from that shared drive onto a public-facing personal cloud storage, thinking it was their own. The link to this inadvertently exposed data is then discovered by a competitor or a data broker, leading to a massive leak of proprietary information, significant reputational damage, and a loss of client trust. This seemingly innocuous oversight, can spiral into a devastating corporate crisis. While this scenario is a little extreme, it is unfortunately not far-fetched in today's complex digital landscape. When an employee leaves an organisation, most leaders focus on succession, handovers and HR paperwork. But behind the scenes, another risk often goes unchecked: the “shadow employee”. Retaining access to company systems long after they’ve left, these ex-staff members pose a serious cybersecurity threat that can lead to data breaches, financial loss and reputational damage – even if everyone parted ways with smiles, hugs and pizza. According to a recent study (https://apo-opa.co/46SOBcD), 89% of former employees keep valid logins, while 45% retain access to confidential data after departure. Most disturbingly, almost half admitted to continuing to access company systems after leaving. “The shadow employee phenomenon is more common than many realise, particularly in organisations with high staff turnover or fragmented and cloud based systems,” asserts Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa (www.KnowBe4.com). She says it often goes undetected because access management tends to focus more on onboarding than offboarding. “When IT and HR operate in silos or access isn't centrally tracked, it’s easy for credentials, third-party accounts or shadow IT tools to be overlooked,” Collard comments. “It shouldn’t be seen as just a technical issue; it's a human one, too (https://apo-opa.co/3IwpyUX), where attention to digital hygiene and processes are lacking.” Risks of rogue access The threat of shadow employees was brought into sharp focus in 2023 when a US company suffered a major data leak traced back to a former IT consultant (https://apo-opa.co/46TXYc2) whose access to internal drives was never revoked. The incident exposed client information and resulted in a six-figure (dollar denominated, no less) settlement on top of contract losses. “The risks are serious and multifaceted,” states Collard. “They encompass operational risk, reputational risk and financial risk.” In terms of operational risks, she explains that outdated access rights can disrupt workflows, expose sensitive information or allow unauthorised changes to systems – even inadvertently. Regarding reputational risk, a data breach caused by a former staff member can erode customer trust and damage brand credibility. “Ex-employees with active credentials can intentionally or unintentionally cause data breaches, leak sensitive information, manipulate internal systems or impersonate staff,” she says. “In some cases, disgruntled employees may delete or sabotage critical data,” she elaborates. “Even if there’s no malicious intent, the mere presence of active credentials outside of an organisation’s control creates vulnerabilities that threat actors can exploit, especially through credential stuffing or phishing (https://apo-opa.co/46V077s).” The last risk to organisations involves financial risk. “Rogue access can result in regulatory fines, legal costs (https://apo-opa.co/48iKWHK) and lost revenue,” she says. The reason why these security breaches occur is that many organisations treat offboarding as an almost “optional HR thing”, not a cybersecurity event. “They fail to conduct thorough access audits or delay revoking credentials across all systems, especially cloud platforms, collaboration tools and unmanaged software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications,” argues Collard. Why robust offboarding is key To close the loop and reduce the shadow employee threat, organisations must build strong offboarding processes that bridge HR and cybersecurity. “It starts with a shared mindset: offboarding must be seen as a collaborative security process, not just an admin task,” she comments. Another important step is to automate deprovisioning to revoke access in real-time. “Integrating identity and access management (IAM) tools and involving security or risk teams in offboarding governance can also help,” she says. Other action items include performing regular access reviews to identify dormant or unauthorised accounts and educating managers to close the gap on shadow IT. “Make line managers accountable for flagging all tools and systems used by exiting staff and track unofficial tools in your access control system,” she recommends. The HRM Report (https://apo-opa.co/46YnUn3) also noted that "Shadow AI" use is a growing concern across Africa, with 46% of organisations still developing formal AI policies while staff increasingly use generative AI from work networks without checks on credentials or information sharing. This lack of governance around new technologies further underscores the need for robust offboarding processes that account for all forms of access, not just traditional systems. In conclusion, Collard maintains that former employees shouldn’t keep the digital keys to your organisation’s kingdom. “As the workplace becomes more hybrid and decentralised, organisations must rethink offboarding as a critical component of cybersecurity hygiene,” she emphasises.
Imagine a marketing manager who left a company six months ago, taking their personal laptop with them. On it, unbeknownst to anyone, was a cached login to a shared cloud drive containing sensitive client proposals and campaign strategies – access that was simply overlooked during offboarding. Months later, the ex-employee accidentally drags a folder from that shared...
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Cassava Technologies Appoints Marco Gagiano as Global Head: Connectivity

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Cassava Technologies (https://www.CassavaTechnologies.com), a global technology leader of African heritage, has appointed Marco Gagiano as Global Head of Connectivity, effective xx September 2025.  With this strategic appointment, Cassava has further strengthened its leadership team and reaffirmed its commitment to becoming the leading digital solutions provider in its chosen markets. Marco will be responsible for the connectivity business...
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COMESA unveils e-certificate of origin system to spur intra-regional trade

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The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) on Thursday launched its electronic certificate of origin system in Kenya, aiming to digitize trade procedures and ease intra-regional trade by cutting costs and delays linked to manual certification. Christopher Onyango, director of trade and customs at COMESA, told journalists in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, that the new digital system is expected to streamline customs procedures, reduce red tape, and boost intra-regional trade by allowing exporters and customs authorities to process certificates of origin electronically. “The electronic certificate of origin will replace manual certificates and reduce clearance times at border crossings,” Onyango said, adding that goods originating from COMESA member states qualify for preferential tariff treatment. Josephine Makokha, rules of origin manager at the Kenya Revenue Authority, said Kenya joins Eswatini, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in rolling out the system. She noted that the platform simplifies the application, issuance, exchange, and verification of certificates. Makokha added that the online certificates will be transmitted in real time among COMESA member states, enabling customs authorities to reduce the bureaucracy involved in cross-border trade. Visited 115 times, 7 visit(s) today
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) on Thursday launched its electronic certificate of origin system in Kenya, aiming to digitize trade procedures and ease intra-regional trade by cutting costs and delays linked to manual certification. Christopher Onyango, director of trade and customs at COMESA, told journalists in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, that...
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Kenya Power net profit drops by Ksh5.6bn to Ksh24.5bn

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Kenya Power net profit drops by Sh5.6bn to Sh24.5bn
Kenya Power’s net profit for the year ended June 2025 fell by Sh5.6 billion to Sh24.5 billion, down from Sh30.1 billion a year earlier, hit by lower electricity revenue and foreign exchange effects. Electricity sales revenue dropped by Sh11.84 billion to Sh219.29 billion, which the company attributed to reduced forex...
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Kisumu, UN-Habitat sign Ksh2.7bn deal for social housing upgrade

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The signing ceremony took place in Kisumu, with Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o representing the county government and UN-Habitat Executive Director in Kenya, Anaclaudia Rossbach, signing on behalf of the UN agency. Under the agreement, both parties commit to jointly implementing the housing upgrade project, which Governor Nyong’o said will primarily target vulnerable groups. “The PINUA programme [is] designed to benefit the most vulnerable members of the community,” Nyong’o said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fostering sustainable neighborhoods equipped with essential services. Beginning November 1, 2025, the county government, working with UN-Habitat, will launch pilot projects in Kibuye Estate and Muhoroni Sub-County, based on designs and models developed through extensive public participation. The programme will focus on upgrading informal settlements by providing essential social infrastructure such as schools, sanitation facilities, affordable rental housing, early childhood development centres, and public open spaces. It also supports incremental housing models, allowing families to progressively build and eventually own decent homes. Rossbach emphasized UN-Habitat’s global commitment to driving transformative change in urban areas: “This partnership is crucial in advancing our new strategy, which focuses on improving housing access and digitally transforming informal settlements for everyone.” According to UN-Habitat housing architect Fred Omenya, the pilot phase will begin in January 2026 with the construction of two blocks of 24 housing units in Kibuye Estate.
Kisumu County has signed a Letter of Intent with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to roll out a large-scale social housing upgrade programme in the county. The initiative, valued at Sh2.7 billion for both Kisumu and Nairobi, aims to promote sustainable, inclusive, and community-led urban development under the Partnership for the Implementation...
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KENYA TO TAP INTO INTRA-AFRICA TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN AfCFTA

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The government of Kenya is seeking into intra-Africa tourism opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to unlock the sector's projected Ksh 1 trillion contributions to the economy by end of 2027. Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 15th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) at Uhuru Gardens. Deputy President of Kenya, Kithure Kindiki noted that while Kenya leads its East Africa counterparts on visitor arrivals, the country must leverage continental integration to achieve double-digit growth seen in Asian and European markets. "Tourism is a critical anchor of Kenya's economy and a pillar of our Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). With Africa emerging as one of the strongest-performing regions in global tourism recovery, we must capitalize on AfCFTA opportunities. The tourism sector must become a critical interlocutor in transport, logistics, trade, investments and MSME sectors, driving synergized policy outcomes." Kindiki stated. According to the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC). Kenya's tourism sector is set to contribute a record Ksh 1.2 trillion to the economy, equivalent to more than 7% of national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector is also expected to support 1.7 million jobs in 2025, maintaining over 8% of total national employment. The DP outlined government's infrastructure investments to support the growth of the sector, including the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, Lamu Port development. SGR expansion and new direct flights from global hubs. He stressed the need to diversify beyond traditional offerings, citing emerging products like astro-tourism, desert safaris in Chalbi, and tech-tourism leveraging Kenya's "silicon savannah" reputation. "We must market the complete Kenya story-from our technological innovation to our athletic excellence, from the Cradle of Humankind to our forty vibrant communities," he added. Equally, Kindiki also stressed the importance of sustainability, linking the government's tree planting initiative to eco-tourism enhancement, while ensuring tourism benefits reach grassroots communities. The expo has drawn over 6,500 delegates from 40 countries, including 400 exhibitors and 200 international buyers with the opportunity to explore how strategic investments and collaborative frameworks can contribute to the African tourism ecosystem which presents unprecedented growth potential. Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano hailed the expo's evolution into a continental platform noting its critical role in accelerating investment flows for infrastructure development which directly supports Kenya's tourism target of 5.5 million visitors by 2027. "Infrastructure development through public-private partnerships remains our cornerstone strategy. By leveraging private sector expertise and government support, we are building world-class facilities that enhance visitor experiences while creating sustainable employment for our communities across the tourism value chain." Miano emphasized. On her part, Director of Trade in Services, Investment and Digital Trade AfCFTA Secretariat, Emily Mburu, highlighted the strategic importance of strategic tourism partnerships, particularly for advancing continental market integration. "Tourism shows how AfCFTA works in practice, public-private frameworks attract Foreign Direct Invest (FDI), build world-class infrastructure and create employment across borders. When tourists move seamlessly across Africa, they activate supply chains, stimulate trade and prove that integration delivers immediate, tangible benefits to African economies," he noted. The expo's focus on intra-African partnerships comes at an opportune time, given Africa's growing contribution to Kenya's tourism earnings. Africa was the leading source of tourist arrivals in 2024, accounting for 40.8% of international visitors. This year's Magical Kenya Travel Expo will incorporate digital matchmaking technology which facilitates pre-scheduled B2B meetings between buyers and sellers, maximizing business outcomes. It will also feature five-day familiarization trips, integrated marketing campaigns and dedicated sessions on creative economy integration within tourism.
The government of Kenya isseeking into intra-Africa tourism opportunities within the AfricanContinental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to unlock the sector's projectedKsh 1 trillion contributions to the economy by end of 2027. Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 15th edition of the MagicalKenya Travel Expo (MKTE) at Uhuru Gardens. Deputy President of Kenya,Kithure Kindiki...
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Milestone for Mbagathi Hospital as it offers dialysis for infants in need

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By Samson Oyugi‎‎‎Mbagathi County Referral Hospital has, over the last two years, undergone significant upgrades in service delivery, now attracting more than 1,000 patients daily.‎‎The hospital has become the first county facility and the third public hospital in Nairobi after Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) to offer pre-term dialysis...
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Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Seeks Investors to Unlock 90% of its Untapped Minerals

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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is seeking investment partners to unlock 90% of its mineral resources which remain untapped. Speaking at African Mining Week 2025 in Cape Town, Louis Watum Kabamba, DRC Minister of Mines, urged industry leaders to partner with the country in driving sustainable mining sector growth. “Ninety...
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Bantu Gazette Launches Flagship Magazine Focused on African Perspective, Progress and Voice

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Bantu Gazette (www.BantuGazette.com), a new quarterly publication committed to advancing African perspectives on politics, culture, and economic transformation, has officially launched (https://apo-opa.co/4nStYEk). The magazine introduces a platform that presents Africa’s stories through the voices of those who live them. Grounded in the belief that narrative power must be anchored on African soil, Bantu Gazette explores how the continent defines its own direction through stories told by Africans themselves. It blends traditional storytelling with modern policy insight, offering thoughtful engagement with the forces shaping African societies. From Lagos to Johannesburg, Marrakech to Lilongwe, Addis Ababa to Dakar, and Douala to Gaborone, the magazine reflects a wide regional lens. “Who tells Africa’s story?” asks Editorial Director Felix Tih in the inaugural issue. He highlights a quote from Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe that says, “If you don’t like someone’s story, write your own.” “This wisdom guides everything we do,” Tih explains. “As Africans, we shape our future by documenting our challenges, celebrating our breakthroughs, and creating space for honest self-reflection.” The first issue presents perspectives on energy innovation, cross-border trade, education reform, and the growing influence of African youth on the global stage. Highlights include a feature on digital sovereignty, profiles of women driving progress in the energy sector, and a deep look into Ethiopia’s evolving political landscape. Readers will also find stories of young leaders redefining business, technology, and policy across the continent. Bantu Gazette is the editorial wing of Bantu Agency, a communications firm that partners with institutions and changemakers across Africa to shape compelling narratives. In collaboration with journalists, researchers, and creatives from more than 12 countries, the magazine creates space for thoughtful reflection and strategic storytelling. Published in both print and digital formats, future editions will include multilingual content in English and French. Thematic issues will spotlight diaspora networks, infrastructure, urban innovation, intracontinental trade, artificial intelligence and climate resilience. Distribution through cultural centers, academic institutions, and professional networks will help expand access to readers throughout the continent and beyond. Youth leadership is central to the magazine’s voice. Each issue combines longform journalism with strategic insight, creative work, and contributions from rising thinkers across sectors. “We are building a publication that reflects the complexity of African societies and the brilliance of African ideas,” said Tih. “Bantu Gazette is a space for those who shape, question, and reimagine the future, guided by experience, grounded in truth, and driven by vision.” Bantu Gazette is available at https://apo-opa.co/4nStYEk. The publication welcomes contributions from writers, researchers, and creatives committed to advancing Africa’s voice in global dialogue.
Bantu Gazette (www.BantuGazette.com), a new quarterly publication committed to advancing African perspectives on politics, culture, and economic transformation, has officially launched (https://apo-opa.co/4nStYEk). The magazine introduces a platform that presents Africa’s stories through the voices of those who live them. Grounded in the belief that narrative power must be anchored on African soil, Bantu Gazette...
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Africa Stakes Its Claim as Global Energy Player at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

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Africa is seeking to move beyond being a raw material supplier and establish itself as a critical energy player, government leaders said at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, highlighting investment opportunities, energy transition based on domestic resources, and the need for predictable policies for investors. Anatole Collinet Makosso, Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, said the continent must leverage its vast oil and gas resources – as well as solar, geothermal and wind potential – to drive development. “Without energy justice, energy transition is an illusion,” he said. “To offer clean, affordable and reliable energy is not an option – it’s an imperative. Our need for development cannot be sacrificed. We need to support energy transition fully, but it must be based on our gas and petroleum resources.” Makosso highlighted key projects including Eni’s Congo LNG initiative, the recently licensed deepwater Nzombo block, the Banga Kayo gas monetization project and Perenco’s ongoing modernization and drilling works to extend field lifespans. “These initiatives are part of the national and continental strategy. Africa must no longer be considered as a provider of raw materials – it must be considered as a critical energy player,” he said. He called the continent “the investment opportunity of the century,” stressing that the goal is not merely to attract capital but to build a competitive, sovereign Africa. Nigeria’s Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), outlined measures the country has taken to boost investor confidence and expand production, including an Executive Order signed earlier this year to reduce production costs. The sector overhaul has already spurred significant activity, including $5 billion in new Shell investment in Bonga North, planned investments in Bonga Southwest and other deepwater projects, and the restructuring of state-owned NNPC into a commercially viable company. “Investors want predictability, efficiency and incentives, as well as alignment between stakeholders and industry,” he said. Lokpobiri also pointed to successes from asset divestments as evidence of Nigeria’s growing strategic role. “The companies that acquired IOC assets – Renaissance acquiring Shell’s onshore and shallow-water assets, Seplat acquiring ExxonMobil’s, Oando acquiring Eni’s – between the time the divestments were enabled and today, we have increased production by at least 200,000 barrels per day. That shows that divestment was the right decision,” he said. Looking ahead, Lokpobiri urged Africa to capture more of global oil and gas capital expenditure, and to “transition from being net importer to strategic value creator.” He also emphasized the need for partnerships rather than energy abandonment: “No continent or country is slowing down. What is needed is to reduce emissions, not abandon any form of energy, and what we need from the West is partnership.”
 Africa is seeking to move beyond being a raw material supplier and establish itself as a critical energy player, government leaders said at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, highlighting investment opportunities, energy transition based on domestic resources, and the need for predictable policies for investors. Anatole Collinet Makosso, Prime Minister...
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