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Coronavirus – Africa: COVID-19 update

Staff Writer - April 27, 2020

Over 30,000 #COVID19 cases reported on the African continent - with over 9,000 associated recoveries & 1,300 deaths recorded. View country figures & more...

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Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) in collaboration with VDC Research announced that in the first three quarters of 2025 ransomware attacks on manufacturing organisations could have generated over $18 billion in losses. This figure reflects just the direct cost of an idle workforce during downtime, with overall operational and financial impacts far exceeding this amount. Estimations were made across APAC, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, CIS and LATAM based on the share of manufacturing organisations where ransomware attempts were detected and prevented, the total number of manufacturing organisations in each region, average downtime hours after real attacks, average number of employees per organisation and average hourly pay. According to Kaspersky Security Network from January to September 2025, the Middle East (7%) and Latin America (6.5%) led the regional rankings in terms of ransomware detections in manufacturing organisations. APAC (6.3%), Africa (5.8%), CIS (5.2%) and Europe (3.8%) followed. All of these attacks were blocked by Kaspersky solutions. The estimation of potential losses (below) shows the financial impact if these attacks succeeded. When ransomware hits, production lines halt, triggering immediate revenue losses from an idle workforce and longer-term shortfalls from reduced output. The average attack lasts 13 days (based on the Kaspersky Incident Response Report) (https://apo-opa.co/4pA9PUK). As a result, idle labour costs from ransomware in the first three quarters of 2025 could have reached: $11.5 billion in APAC $4.4 billion in Europe $711 million in LATAM $685 million in the Middle East $507 million in CIS $446 million in Africa Actual business losses could have been significantly higher when factoring in supply-chain disruptions, reputational damage, and recovery expenses. “Our research provides an estimation of the financial impact that ransomware may have had on manufacturing worldwide. The growing complexity of manufacturing environments, along with widening expertise gaps and ongoing labour challenges, makes it difficult for most organisations to manage cybersecurity effectively, but failure to do so may result in financial losses – followed by reputational blows as well. Partnering with proven cybersecurity vendors is paramount for effective IT, OT and IIoT protection,” comments Jared Weiner, Research Director, Industrial Automation & Sensors at VDC Research. “No region is exempt from ransomware – whether it’s the Middle East, LATAM, APAC, CIS, Africa or Europe, every manufacturing hub is constantly being targeted. Mid-tier manufacturers that could have been overlooked by threat actors in the past are also among the targets because their security budgets are smaller and their supply chain disruption effects can be larger than most realise. The manufacturing sector and all other organisations need reliable, proven defence systems and continuous user education,” comments Dmitry Galov, Head of Research Center for Russia and CIS at Kaspersky's GReAT. More information about ransomware in different regions is available in Kaspersky’s 2025 State of Ransomware Report (https://apo-opa.co/43LYE2H). Kaspersky encourages organisations to follow these best practices to safeguard from ransomware: Enable ransomware protection for all endpoints. There is a free Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool for Business (https://apo-opa.co/48fN4xZ) that shields computers and servers from ransomware and other types of malware, prevents exploits and is compatible with already installed security solutions. For comprehensive protection of industrial and critical sectors, Kaspersky offers a distinctive ecosystem that seamlessly integrates dedicated OT-grade technologies, expert knowledge and invaluable expertise. At the core of this ecosystem is Kaspersky Industrial CyberSecurity (KICS) (https://apo-opa.co/3K8S27W), a native Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform designed for critical infrastructure protection. It provides robust network traffic analysis, along with endpoint protection, detection and response capabilities. This comprehensive solution integrates traditional IT security measures with purpose-built industrial security technologies, ensuring that your company is well-equipped to face any threat. Companies from non-industrial sectors can protect themselves by installing anti-APT and EDR solutions that enable capabilities for advanced threat discovery and detection, investigation and timely remediation of incidents. Organisations can also provide their SOC teams with access to the latest threat intelligence (https://apo-opa.co/4oZWhSr) and regularly upskill them with professional training. All of the above is available within Kaspersky Next Expert (https://apo-opa.co/4rpBklE).

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Mount Kenya University (MKU) is the first institution to be accredited to train Health Records professionals in the country after fulfilling all the requirements set by the Ministry of Health. The Director, Health Information Systems at the ministry, Mr. Gilbert Nzomo says the training of Health Records officers has come a long way as, initially, it was even done outside the country. “Many institutions are now training the officers and there is need to ensure quality. It started as a certificate programme and at the moment we have PhD programmes in the country,” he added. Speaking during the official presentation of certificate of accreditation to MKU, the Chairman, Health Records and Information Mangers Board, Mr. Onesmus K. Mwaura said MKU was the first institution to be accredited after fulfilling all the requirements. “As a board, we have embarked on streamlining the training of the health records and information officers in the country. One way of ensuring that all the institutions adhere to the set guidelines is through accreditation,” he said. Mr Mwaura said the Health Records and Information Managers Board (HRIM) is anchored in the HRIM Act No 15 of 2016 which became operational in 2022. “The act empowers the board to exercise regulatory and oversight roles on training institutions offering training in Health Records and Information courses,” he added. MKU vice-chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, expressed gratitude to the Health Records and Information Managers Board (HRIMB) for the collaboration with his institution in the training of Health Records and Information Managers. “Universal access to quality health services and, in turn, improved health outcomes require not only more health professionals but also the quality and relevance of education in health professions,” he said. Accordingly, plans are underway to the process of launching a Master of Health Information Management Program. “MKU values the strong collaborative relationship that we share with the HRIM Board and remains committed to upholding the highest standards of training Health Records and Information management managers,” he added. MKU graduated its first Bachelor of Science in Health Records and Information Management graduates in December 2012. To date, the university has graduated 516 Bachelor of Science, 860 Diplomas and 383 certificates in Health Records and Information Management. “Our health records and information technology graduates are making an impact in diverse sectors including the government, Non-governmental Organisations, academia, and international bodies such the World Health Organisation,” noted the VC. Prof Jaganyi noted that the university remains committed to preparing the students to high quality professionals to serve as health care and quality managers at all levels of the healthcare ecosystem both locally and internationally. “Our programmes endeavour to expose our graduates to modern technology in the health records domain which ensures that they are capable of applying technology in the improvement of patient care and outcomes,” he added. Others who attended or were represented at the function were MKU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Research Affairs, Dr Mercyline Kamande; Registrar, Academic Administration, Dr Ronald Maathai; Principal, College of Health Sciences, Dr. Josphat Njuguna; Dean, School of Clinical Medicine, Mr. Peter Mwaura, faculty members and students. The news of the certification comes a few days after the university was re-accredited by the Nursing Council of Kenya to continue training nursing students. The Institution has been offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree for the last 12 years and has been subject to regular reviews by the nursing council to confirm that the university’s facilities, including laboratories, meet the set requirements. The reviews undertaken every five years are a legal requirement for all institutions of higher learning training nursing students. The Registrar Nursing Council of Kenya Dr. Lister Onsongo presented the re-accreditation certificate to the MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratious Jaganyi.

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Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader, has launched Africa’s first Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud in Johannesburg, South Africa. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to empower partners and resellers to move beyond traditional distribution, providing the immersive, hands-on environment needed to architect and deploy cloud and AI solutions tailored specifically to African market needs. Through the Centre, partners will be onboarded to a structured journey that guides them in securing official Google Cloud accreditation and certification. Beyond technical training provided by both Liquid C2 and Google, the centre will also serve as a collaborative hub, allowing them to work alongside specialist engineers to architect bespoke solutions. Once finalised, these solutions will be brought to market through Liquid’s robust distribution network. This expansion not only opens new commercial avenues for partners but also acts as a catalyst for high-value job creation and the rapid maturation of Africa’s technology ecosystem. The Partner Experience Centre provides the partner and reseller ecosystem in Africa with direct access to enterprise-grade technologies such as Gemini Enterprise, and the "Gemini Playspace" for rapid AI experimentation. It also provides specialist expertise to prototype, test, and scale digital solutions in real-world environments. The centre is a testament to Liquid C2’s commitment to strengthening its role within the partner ecosystem in Africa, as it supports partners in overcoming infrastructure constraints, skills gaps, and complexity barriers that often slow digital transformation efforts across the continent. As demand for advanced digital capabilities grows, the Partner Experience Centre serves as an innovation hub where enterprises, startups, academic institutions, developers, and public-sector stakeholders can co-create locally-relevant solutions, fostering a sense of shared progress and community across Africa. The facility also provides industry-specific platforms tailored to sectors including financial services, healthcare, and retail. These platforms demonstrate how AI-enabled solutions can reduce operational risk, improve efficiency, enhance customer engagement, and unlock new growth opportunities across African markets. “At Cassava Technologies, we believe the future of Africa’s digital transformation will be shaped through strong ecosystems that combine global innovation with local infrastructure and expertise,” said Ziaad Suleman, Senior Vice President, Cassava Technologies and CEO, South Africa & Botswana. “The Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud creates a practical environment where organisations can explore, test, and scale solutions that deliver real business value. By combining our infrastructure, expertise, and continental reach with Google Cloud’s advanced technologies, we are helping to democratise access to AI and cloud capabilities for enterprises across Africa.” “This is a pivotal moment in our commitment to Africa’s digital future,” said Tara Brady, President, Google Cloud EMEA. “The Partner Experience Centre is a testament to our belief in the power of a strong partner ecosystem. By combining our advanced AI capabilities, including our Gemini models, with Liquid C2’s localised expertise, we are not just building a facility; we are building a hub for innovation that will empower businesses, create jobs, and deliver the benefits of digital transformation to every corner of the continent.” The collaboration will focus on three core pillars of transformation: Accelerated Partner Enablement: The centre acts as a dedicated Proof-of-Concept (PoC) hub designed to dismantle historical market barriers. It provides localised training, hands-on technology interaction, and business support, leveraging Liquid’s capabilities to offer local currency billing and credit to manage financial complexity for resellers. AI and Technology Innovation: A primary focus is empowering partners to build and deploy advanced AI solutions. The facility features a dedicated "Gemini Playspace & AI Solutions" to certify technical staff, alongside integrated "Solutions Pods" where partners can demonstrate complete technology stacks to win complex enterprise bids. Economic Growth and Job Creation: The partnership is a direct investment in Africa’s tech workforce. By strategically broadening the partner network, the initiative will foster deep, localised expertise and act as a catalyst for new economic opportunities, creating a significant ripple effect of job creation for certified engineers and other tech professionals across the continent. As a business of Cassava Technologies, Liquid C2 has always been at the forefront of bringing cutting-edge digital technologies to African businesses, both directly and through its partner ecosystem. This first-of-its-kind Partner Experience Centre is yet another milestone that reflects the company’s commitment to partnerships that leverage its continental footprint to serve a broader base of organisations. Aligned with this, Cassava continues to expand digital inclusion across Africa through its integrated portfolio of connectivity, cloud, cyber security, and digital solutions, ensuring that a broad spectrum of organisations, regardless of size or sector, can access and benefit from advanced technologies, thereby enabling more inclusive participation in Africa’s digital economy.

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Incomedia (www.Incomedia.eu) is excited to announce its participation in Gitex Africa 2026, the leading trade fair for technology and innovation hosted in Marrakech, Morocco, from April 7th to 9th. The power of AI in a no-code webisite builder for businesses and entrepreneurs As Africa’s digital economy accelerates, and millions of small and medium-sized businesses are looking to go online, Italian software company Incomedia is taking the opportunity represented by Gitex to introduce WebSite X5 to African businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups. The tool is an all-in-one website and e-commerce builder designed to simplify and speed up the creation of online businesses. A key innovation is the integrated AI assistant MagicSite, which helps users generate complete and easily customizable websites through a simple conversation. Expanding WebSite X5 presence in Africa Within the last few years, Incomedia has been expanding its network in the African market such as Ivory Coast, Kenya, Niger or South Africa and contributed to the digital transformation in this area. Following this successful trend, Incomedia is actively expanding its presence across Africa and is looking to collaborate with local distributors, digital agencies, training centers and government institutions involved in digital transformation. Join Us at Gitex Africa 2026 “Digital access should not be complex or expensive”, says Federico Ranfagni, CEO of Incomedia. “Our goal is empowering African entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses online, unlocking new possibilities across the continent.” Visitors and partners can meet Incomedia at: GITEX Africa 2026 Hall 20 – Stand B-56 (Italian Area) The team will provide live demos and explore partnership opportunities across African markets.

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