Security and ICT experts have highlighted that cyber-attacks could pose a significant threat to the smooth operation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), calling for increased investment in cybersecurity measures by decision-makers across the continent.
This warning follows an incident last month when South African rail, port, and pipeline company Transnet declared force majeure after a massive cyber-attack compromised its IT systems, severely disrupting operations.
According to the freight company's division - which operates container terminals in the major South African ports of Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Ngqura and Durban - they ‘suffered an act of cyber-attack, security intrusion and sabotage, which resulted in the disruption of normal TPT processes and functions or the destruction or damage of equipment or information’. The attack led to delays in customs clearance at the port, affecting many African countries that rely on South Africa for freight movements.
Security expert Munya Bonjo told the Southern Times that cyber-attacks could pose a major threat to the smooth running of the AfCFTA.
“A robust information and communication technology system must be put in place if the AfCFTA intends to succeed without interruption. We are only talking about Transnet, but the impact has been felt as far away as the DRC and Zambia. Securing the systems must be a priority for the continent's decision-makers”.
“Hacking of ICT systems is now a huge threat that should never be taken for granted. Africa must put in place a collective security system to protect the operations of the AfCFTA,” said Bonjo. According to ICT expert Brilliant Sibanda, ZLECAf needs ICT interconnections to drive economic growth and development across the continent in the coming years, hence the need for an Africa-wide consensus on cybersecurity.
“A properly connected and secure information and communication technology (ICT) system is essential for the continental trading method to function smoothly. A robust ICT system would mean a good turnaround time for goods clearance, which improves competitiveness. The Transnet issue should remind Africa that cyber insecurity could lead to massive delays and unreliability in the movement of goods across all modes of transport.”
A consultant working for the South African Freight Forwarders Association, David Watts, said the Transnet cyber-attack was the third biggest obstacle to South Africa's economic recovery this year after the COVID-19 pandemic and the July riots.
“Imagine citrus exports from South Africa, the biggest seller of fruit after Spain's sudden halt. You can imagine that instead of making a phone call, you run round the corner with a piece of paper. If things like this continue to happen, it could be extremely disastrous for continental trade,” said Mr Watts. Transnet operates sub-Saharan Africa's largest port in Durban, while its Richards Bay is the largest single-site terminal for bulk shipments.
Most operations are run on Navis N4 terminal operating systems, which help the port operator monitor and manage everything from cargo loading to vessel movement. Transnet said on Monday that it had since lifted the force majeure
“The lifting of the force majeure follows the gradual restoration of the Navis N4 terminal operating system in the container terminals. In terms of operations, the port will continue to apply the berthing principles of the container operating contract in the container terminals. This is currently the most practical way of standardising operations and maintaining a complementary port schedule for shipping lines,” Transnet said in a statement.
Colleta Dewa
The Southern Times