Smart Africa and RealTyme have expanded their cybersecurity cooperation through an addendum to their existing Memorandum of Understanding, signed during Geneva Cyber Week on May 14, 2026. The move is aimed at strengthening Africa’s digital defenses at a time when governments, businesses, and citizens are becoming increasingly dependent on secure digital systems. The announcement highlights a broader continental push to improve cyber resilience, protect digital infrastructure, and build trust in Africa’s fast-growing digital economy.
Expanded Partnership
The renewed agreement focuses on supporting the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities, known as ANCA, by helping national cybersecurity institutions improve their operational readiness. Through the partnership, Smart Africa and RealTyme plan to reinforce collaboration with cybersecurity authorities across the continent and provide support in areas where technical capability and institutional coordination are essential. The addendum builds on the organizations’ existing relationship and gives it a stronger focus on practical implementation, skills development, and cybersecurity infrastructure.
Focus on Emerging Threats
A central part of the collaboration is the adoption of advanced security measures designed to address increasingly complex cyber risks. The partnership will cover areas such as secure communication technologies, advanced security protocols, artificial intelligence-enabled security systems, digital identity protection, and readiness for post-quantum cryptography. These priorities reflect the changing nature of cyber threats, including risks linked to identity fraud, insecure networks, data breaches, and future vulnerabilities that may emerge as computing technologies evolve.
Building National Cyber Capacity
The initiative also places strong emphasis on training and capacity building for cybersecurity professionals across Africa. By investing in technical education and professional development, the partners aim to help national institutions respond more effectively to cyber incidents and anticipate new forms of digital risk. This focus on human capital is particularly important because cybersecurity resilience depends not only on technology, but also on skilled teams capable of operating, monitoring, and defending national systems.
Strengthening Critical Cyber Infrastructure
Smart Africa and RealTyme’s expanded cooperation will also support the development of essential cyber infrastructure in African countries. This includes assistance linked to Security Operations Centres, Computer Emergency Response Teams, and national cybersecurity centres, all of which play a key role in detecting, managing, and responding to cyber incidents. By helping countries establish and strengthen these structures, the partnership seeks to improve national preparedness and create a more coordinated regional cybersecurity environment.
Supporting Africa’s Digital Sovereignty
The announcement comes as African countries continue to accelerate digital transformation across public services, financial systems, identity platforms, communications, and cross-border trade. Stronger cybersecurity institutions are increasingly viewed as a foundation for digital sovereignty, allowing countries to protect sensitive data, reduce exposure to external threats, and build confidence in digital services. For Smart Africa and RealTyme, the partnership represents a contribution to a wider continental agenda focused on secure, inclusive, and trusted digital growth.
The expanded partnership between Smart Africa and RealTyme signals a more ambitious effort to reinforce cybersecurity capabilities across the continent. By combining institutional support, technical training, secure communications, AI-driven protection, digital identity safeguards, and critical infrastructure development, the collaboration is positioned to support both immediate and long-term cybersecurity needs. As Africa’s digital economy continues to expand, initiatives of this kind will be central to ensuring that growth is protected by resilient systems, skilled professionals, and stronger national cyber institutions.