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Kaspersky and the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (Afripol) have signed a new five-year cooperation agreement to bolster efforts in preventing and combating cybercrime. The agreement formalizes and enhances collaboration between the cybersecurity company and the law enforcement agency, focusing on sharing threat intelligence data to address emerging cyber threats across Africa.

Africa remains highly vulnerable to cyber threats, particularly targeting institutions. Kaspersky’s findings reveal that the continent has the highest rate of malware blocked on Industrial Control Systems (ICS) computers globally. This highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to mitigate risks in Africa’s evolving cyber threat landscape.

Under the agreement, Kaspersky will provide Afripol with advanced cyber threat intelligence data, enabling the organization to conduct deeper criminal intelligence analyses. Additionally, Kaspersky will offer its technical expertise and support to enhance cybersecurity knowledge and skills within Afripol’s operations.

The official signing ceremony took place on November 18, 2024, at Afripol’s headquarters in Algiers, with Eugene Kaspersky, founder and CEO of Kaspersky, and Ambassador Jalal Chalba, Acting Executive Director of Afripol, signing the agreement.

Eugene Kaspersky stated:
"Effective cybercrime prevention requires strong collaboration. Our company prioritizes working together with stakeholders, including the security community, law enforcement, and the public, to raise awareness about cyber threats. By strengthening our partnership with Afripol, we aim to provide the tools and expertise needed to enhance Africa's cybersecurity resilience and foster a safer digital environment for everyone."

Ambassador Jalal Chalba added:
"This agreement marks a significant step in enhancing Africa's digital defenses. With Kaspersky’s expertise and resources, Afripol will not only improve its capacity to combat cyber threats but also contribute to safeguarding the digital space for African citizens. This partnership strengthens Afripol’s operational framework while positioning Kaspersky as a key player in Africa’s digital security strategy. Together, we’re taking a vital step toward digital trust and resilience in Africa."

Track Record of Collaboration

Kaspersky and Afripol have a history of joint initiatives, including contributing to evaluations of Africa’s cyber threat landscape and participating in Interpol-led operations, such as Africa Cyber Surge and Africa Cyber Surge II, to combat cybercrime across the continent. The organizations are also committed to promoting digital trust, with Afripol endorsing Kaspersky’s first Transparency Center in Africa, located in Rwanda.

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