Togo and UN Partner to Launch African Cybersecurity Centre in Lomé

The Republic of Togo and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the African Centre for Coordination and Research in Cybersecurity, a regional hub dedicated to promoting cybersecurity and combating cybercrime across the continent.

Headquartered in Lomé, the centre will serve as an independent and impartial institution, focusing on cybersecurity expertise, coordination, and the advancement of cybercrime investigations in Africa.

Its key objectives include:

• Strengthening capacities and supporting national cybersecurity agencies across African countries

• Collaborating with governments, policymakers, law enforcement, and security professionals to develop effective frameworks for assessing, preventing, and mitigating cyber threats

• Providing advanced technical and research expertise to promote cybersecurity initiatives throughout the region

This initiative follows the first African Cybersecurity Summit held in March 2022, jointly organized by Togo and UNECA. The summit gathered Heads of State and Government, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss Africa’s most urgent cybersecurity challenges.

During the event, member states adopted the Lomé Declaration on Cybersecurity and the Fight Against Cybercrime, commonly referred to as the Lomé Declaration. The declaration commits African nations to sign and ratify the African Union’s Malabo Convention—one of the world’s most comprehensive frameworks on cybersecurity—and to enhance regional cooperation against cybercrime.

The newly signed MoU between Togo and UNECA aims to translate these commitments into action by establishing the African Cybersecurity Centre, which will help countries implement the Lomé Declaration’s principles and strengthen the continent’s digital resilience.

Togo stands among the few nations that have already ratified the Malabo Convention. The country has adopted robust legal and regulatory frameworks for cybersecurity and created key institutions such as the National Cybersecurity Agency (ANCy) and the Personal Data Protection Authority (IPDCP).

Additionally, in partnership with Asseco Data Systems, a Polish cybersecurity firm, Togo launched Cyber Defense Africa (CDA)—a cybersecurity company primarily composed of Togolese experts—to safeguard its digital infrastructure while ensuring local skills development.

“We are proud to partner with UNECA to reinforce our commitment to making cybersecurity a national and regional priority,” said Cina Lawson, Togo’s Minister of Digital Economy. “Our innovative collaboration with the private sector aims to position Togo as a leading digital hub in Africa and inspire other nations to build a safer cyberspace across the continent.”

Vera Songwe, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of UNECA, added:

“It is vital to promote a coordinated approach to cybersecurity across Africa. Through this partnership with the Government of Togo, UNECA reaffirms its determination to strengthen regional cybersecurity and advance Africa’s digital economy, building on the commitments of the Lomé Declaration.”