African IT Leaders Gather to Discuss Innovation and Cybersecurity
As the 11th edition of the International DSI Forum opens in Tunis, African IT leaders are meeting to discuss a central challenge: combining innovation and cybersecurity in a world where threats are evolving faster than technologies. On a continent undergoing rapid digital transformation, cybersecurity is being rethought in a proactive form, becoming a driver of performance and competitiveness.
A New Strategic Role for DSIs
For a long time, cybersecurity was perceived as a defensive function. However, DSIs and RSSIs are no longer just protecting their systems; they must anticipate, detect, and neutralize threats before they disrupt the continuity of their organization's activities. This shift reflects a major cultural evolution.
"Anticipating, in terms of cybersecurity, relies on mastering both the IT environment and the business environment. The goal is to detect weak signals and integrate prevention into the company's overall strategy," explains Benoît Grunemwald, a cybersecurity expert at ESET Afrique Francophone. "This approach not only allows for risk management but also ensures the operational continuity of the organization."
The Rise of Cybersecurity in Africa
With the widespread use of applications and cloud services, the growth of remote work, and the hybridization of infrastructures, African companies are facing an unprecedented exposure surface. In this context, cybersecurity cannot be approached from a purely technical perspective; it must be considered in the overall governance of the organization.
From Security to Digital Trust
A key differentiator, performance now depends on digital trust. Companies that secure their data and exchanges inspire more confidence in their customers, partners, and investors. On the other hand, a security breach or attack can durably undermine credibility.
By adopting a proactive posture, companies can transform security into a competitive advantage. By anticipating risks, DSIs guarantee the stability of their environment, improve team productivity, and create the conditions for serene innovation. Cybersecurity thus becomes a vector of trust, reliability, and sustainable performance.
An Integrated Approach: Technology, Culture, and Anticipation
Proactive cybersecurity is not limited to the implementation of technological tools. It requires a global approach that integrates awareness, training, and collaboration among all stakeholders in the company. According to Benoît Grunemwald, "technology alone is not enough. The key lies in the combination of high-performance tools, human intelligence, and a true culture of vigilance. The goal is robustness."
This holistic vision opens the way to integrated cybersecurity that is aligned with the organization's overall performance objective. It places humans at the heart of digital defense and makes prevention a collective reflex.
Anticipating to Advance
The 2025 DSI Forum in Tunis, where digital resilience will be one of the major themes, highlights the importance of proactive cybersecurity. DSIs know they must now shift from reaction to anticipation. By acting before a crisis, they protect not only their systems but also their company's reputation, trust, and performance.
The digital future of Africa will be built on this ability to transform vigilance into strength and prevention into opportunity. This is where the true competitiveness of the continent will be played out in the years to come.
