Navigating the cloud revolution

As we delve into the cloud revolution, the importance of cloud security in Africa cannot be overstated. With South Africa leading the charge, hosting over 60% of the continent’s data centres, the rapid adoption of cloud services is transforming the digital landscape. However, this shift brings significant challenges, particularly in terms of cybersecurity. In our previous blog post, we discussed the transformative power of generative AI in enhancing cybersecurity measures across the continent. Building on that foundation, this post explores the critical role of cloud security in empowering innovation and operational efficiency while addressing the pressing need for robust risk management strategies. PwC’s Digital Trust Insights Survey 2024 highlights alarming statistics, including a one-third increase in major cyber breaches due to cloud-related attacks and a staggering 97% of organisations acknowledging gaps in their cloud risk management plans. This blog post explores the critical role of cloud security in empowering innovation and operational efficiency while addressing the pressing need for robust risk management strategies.

Cloud computing has emerged as a fundamental enabler of digital transformation in Africa. PwC's recent Africa Cloud Business Survey 2023 reveals that organisations in the region are already realising significant value from their cloud investments and are allocating substantial budgets to accelerate their journey.

The top priorities for cloud investment include:

• Customer experience (CRM, digital customer portals, applications, chatbots)

• Innovating new digital products and services

• Cloud strategy

• Digitising the supply chain

• Manufacturing and finance transformation (e.g. legacy modernisation of ERPs, SAP on Hyperscaler)

More than 80% of respondents in Africa indicated a 5% to 15% or greater rise in cloud investment for 2023. This increased investment is particularly directed towards enhancing customer experience and fostering innovation.

As stated above, 97% of surveyed organisations have admitted to gaps in their cloud risk management plans.  These gaps include cloud technologies which are not optimally secured when deployed, leaving these technologies susceptible to being compromised by cyber-criminals. 

A path to resilient digital transformation in Africa

The cloud revolution is driving unprecedented digital transformation across Africa, with South Africa at the forefront. While the benefits of cloud computing are clear—enhancing customer experience, fostering innovation, and modernising legacy systems—the associated cybersecurity risks cannot be ignored. The significant gaps in cloud risk management plans, as revealed by PwC’s survey, underscore the urgent need for organisations to prioritise cloud security. By investing in comprehensive risk management strategies and leveraging advanced technologies, businesses can safeguard their digital assets and ensure a secure, resilient future. As we navigate this cloud-driven era, a proactive approach to cybersecurity will be essential in harnessing the full potential of cloud computing while mitigating its inherent risks.