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AfDB backs Nigeria digital infrastructure expansion with US$200mn loan. (Image source: AfDB)

Internet

The board of directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a US$200mn loan to the government of Nigeria to support a major national initiative aimed at expanding fibre connectivity, strengthening digital skills, and accelerating job creation

As Africa’s most populous nation and the largest economy in West Africa, Nigeria is positioning its digital economy as a key driver of growth. The Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment (D-VIBE) Project is designed to address connectivity gaps and enhance productivity nationwide. The programme will extend the country’s fibre network from approximately 30,000 km to 120,000 km, ensuring all 774 Local Government Areas are linked to high-speed broadband. This includes critical infrastructure such as schools, healthcare centres, agro-industrial zones, rural communities, and commercial hubs, while also establishing cross-border connections with Benin, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.

Also referred to as Project BRIDGE, D-VIBE will be implemented through a public-private partnership model using a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). Under this structure, public ownership will range between 25% and 49%, while private investors will hold between 51% and 75%. This approach is intended to mitigate challenges such as high construction costs and Right-of-Way barriers that have historically slowed infrastructure rollout.

The African Development Bank Group’s US$200mn contribution forms part of a broader US$800mn sovereign financing package. Additional funding includes US$500mn from the World Bank and US$100mn from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Total investment in the project is estimated at US$2bn, supported by a €22mn grant from the European Union, a US$2.6mn project preparation grant from the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance, and at least US$1.2bn in private sector funding.

“Nigeria has the talent, the market, and the ambition; what it has lacked is the backbone infrastructure to connect that potential to opportunity. D-VIBE changes that. From the north to the south, from farms to factories to classrooms, this investment will make high-speed connectivity a reality for every Nigerian community and give young people the tools to build their futures digitally,” said Abdul Kamara, director general, African Development Bank Group Nigeria Office.

The project is being coordinated through a working group of development finance institutions, jointly led by the Nigerian government and the African Development Bank Group, to align technical design, studies, and funding strategies.

Beyond expanding infrastructure, D-VIBE will focus on stimulating demand through improved access to affordable devices, large-scale digital skills development, and support for digital platforms across priority sectors. It will also strengthen cybersecurity frameworks and promote market competition, while incorporating sustainability measures such as hybrid and renewable energy solutions to enhance resilience.

Over its lifecycle, the initiative is expected to generate up to 2.8 million jobs and increase national broadband penetration from 45% to around 70% by 2030.

The project supports Nigeria’s Vision 2050, the National Development Plan, and the Renewed Hope Development Plan (2026–2030), while also aligning with African Union Agenda 2063 and the African Development Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033).

Vodacom Group highlighted renewable energy pathways and policy reforms to decarbonise Africa’s ICT sector

Commerce

As climate pressures intensify and energy demand continues to rise, Africa faces the dual challenge of reducing carbon emissions while expanding access to reliable and affordable power that supports development, job creation and digital inclusion

However, many sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, mining, logistics and manufacturing, remain heavily dependent on carbon-intensive and expensive diesel generators due to weak grid infrastructure and inconsistent electricity supply.

Addressing this issue at scale will require stronger multi-sector collaboration, coordinated efforts between public and private stakeholders, and reforms within energy systems to unlock investment in renewable and decentralised solutions.

Against this backdrop, Vodacom Group has released a new white paper titled Decarbonising Africa’s ICT Sector. The report offers insights into one of the continent’s fastest-growing industries, where expanding digital and network infrastructure is driving increased energy demand while the sector works to balance decarbonisation with ongoing economic and social development.

“Decarbonisation in Africa cannot be approached in isolation or through a single-sector lens,” said Ayman Essam, chief officer: external affairs at Vodacom Group. “While we have set an ambition to work towards net-zero emissions, progress depends on systemic change across the energy ecosystem. This includes policies that enable private sector participation, new financing models, and partnerships that can scale renewable energy solutions beyond individual organisations.”

The research highlights that although Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change, it continues to face significant energy-related challenges that hinder decarbonisation. Weak grid systems, financially constrained utilities, complex regulatory frameworks and unreliable power supply all contribute to the slow uptake of renewable energy. As a result, many industries, including telecommunications, continue to rely on diesel-powered generation to sustain operations.

To overcome these barriers, the white paper outlines several practical pathways to accelerate decarbonisation across the ICT sector. These include reforms to encourage greater private sector participation in energy markets, the adoption of renewable procurement models such as power purchase agreements, and the expansion of decentralised solutions like mini-grids to support remote network infrastructure.

Vodacom’s own progress demonstrates that meaningful emissions reductions are achievable even in energy-constrained environments. In the past financial year, the company matched 100% of its purchased grid electricity with renewable sources, reducing scope 2 market-based emissions to nearly zero across most of its operations. Since FY2020, it has cut scope 1 and 2 market-based greenhouse gas emissions by 77%, largely through improved energy efficiency and renewable procurement. Continued network optimisation has also enhanced efficiency, lowering the energy required to carry increasing data volumes from 1.55 MWh per terabyte in FY2020 to 0.36 MWh per terabyte in FY2025. Currently, 61% of Vodacom’s total scope 1 and 2 energy consumption is derived from renewable sources, including onsite generation, power purchase agreements and renewable energy certificates.

While mobile network operators are significant energy consumers, the report underscores their critical role in enabling Africa’s digital and economic growth, making their participation in the low-carbon transition both complex and essential.

Developed with technical support from the Carbon Trust, the research is based on sector analysis, case studies and interviews with stakeholders across the ICT and energy value chains, including utilities, technology providers, financial institutions and regulators.

“By sharing insights and identifying pathways forward, the report aims to support more coordinated action across the industry and take up the significant opportunity for Africa to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable digital economy,” concluded Essam.

ZTE Corporation presents AI, 5G and network innovations at GITEX Africa 2026. (Image source: ZTE Corporation)

Internet

ZTE Corporation, a global provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, showcased its latest innovations at GITEX Africa 2026 in Marrakech

Recognised as one of Africa’s most prominent technology and startup gatherings, GITEX Africa continues to play a central role in advancing the continent’s digital transformation. The event brings together technology companies, policymakers, startups, investors and industry talent to drive collaboration, strengthen digital infrastructure and unlock new growth opportunities.

During the 2026 edition, ZTE, alongside its ecosystem partners, presented a wide-ranging portfolio of advanced network and intelligent solutions. These included RAN UniSite, 5G-A technologies, AI-enabled platforms, 800G pluggable optical modules, 50G PON, FTTR, Wi-Fi 7 solutions, 5G-focused microwave systems, zero-carbon energy offerings, as well as integrated intelligent computing and server infrastructure. The portfolio highlights the company’s end-to-end capabilities in supporting next-generation digital ecosystems.

On the device front, ZTE introduced its 5G FWA portfolio, featuring CPE and MiFi solutions designed to deliver high-speed, stable and reliable connectivity across various use cases. The company also unveiled its latest AI-powered smartphones and next-generation Wi-Fi 7 devices, aimed at enhancing user experiences in imaging, entertainment and gaming, while further embedding smart technology into daily life.

ZTE’s presence at GITEX Africa 2026 reinforces its ongoing focus on enabling digital and intelligent transformation for customers worldwide, while supporting sustainable innovation and technological progress across Africa.

NEW interactive digital platform

Cassava Technologies and SAAIA join forces to boost AI development across Africa.

Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader with African heritage, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) to deliver advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) across Africa

The strategic partnership aims to bolster AI development by giving SAAIA’s community of over 3,000 AI practitioners—including entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry professionals—access to Cassava’s state-of-the-art data centre GPU infrastructure. This will enable them to develop, test, and deploy AI applications that address local and regional challenges.

As part of the collaboration, Cassava Technologies and SAAIA will also work together on joint initiatives that support the broader African AI ecosystem, promoting innovation, research, and sustainable growth.

“We are proud to partner with SAAIA to support the growth of Africa’s AI ecosystem. By extending our advanced AI infrastructure and capabilities to SAAIA’s growing community of AI professionals, we’re enabling greater access to the compute power required to build, test, and scale innovative local solutions. We believe this partnership will deliver meaningful value to both organisations and, more importantly, to the business and research communities driving AI development on the continent,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies South Africa and Botswana.

SAAIA, a leading force in South Africa’s AI landscape, is dedicated to promoting responsible AI by connecting AI practitioners from academia, government, private enterprise, startups, and NGOs. It is also the organiser of AI Expo Africa, the continent’s largest AI-focused event, and plays a key role in driving investment in Africa’s smart technology sector.

“SAAIA is pleased to be partnering with Cassava Technologies in strengthening AI in South Africa. Supporting local AI entrepreneurs is a key pillar of SAAIA, and access to GPU-as-a-Service is a key enabler to growing the emerging AI startup ecosystem,” said SAAIA Founder and Chairman, Dr Nick Bradshaw.

The partnership underscores Cassava’s commitment to advancing digital transformation across Africa. It follows the company’s recent announcement of plans to build the continent’s first AI factory, a move aimed at providing local businesses, governments, and academic institutions with access to cutting-edge AI computing capabilities. This initiative aligns with Cassava’s vision of becoming the leading provider of digital solutions across its markets and empowering Africans to thrive in the digital economy.

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Internet

AfDB backs Nigeria digital infrastructure expansion with US$200mn loan. (Image source: AfDB)

Internet

The board of directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a US$200mn loan to the government of Nigeria to support a major national initiative aimed at expanding fibre connectivity, strengthening digital skills, and accelerating job creation

As Africa’s most populous nation and the largest economy in West Africa, Nigeria is positioning its digital economy as a key driver of growth. The Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment (D-VIBE) Project is designed to address connectivity gaps and enhance productivity nationwide. The programme will extend the country’s fibre network from approximately 30,000 km to 120,000 km, ensuring all 774 Local Government Areas are linked to high-speed broadband. This includes critical infrastructure such as schools, healthcare centres, agro-industrial zones, rural communities, and commercial hubs, while also establishing cross-border connections with Benin, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.

Also referred to as Project BRIDGE, D-VIBE will be implemented through a public-private partnership model using a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). Under this structure, public ownership will range between 25% and 49%, while private investors will hold between 51% and 75%. This approach is intended to mitigate challenges such as high construction costs and Right-of-Way barriers that have historically slowed infrastructure rollout.

The African Development Bank Group’s US$200mn contribution forms part of a broader US$800mn sovereign financing package. Additional funding includes US$500mn from the World Bank and US$100mn from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Total investment in the project is estimated at US$2bn, supported by a €22mn grant from the European Union, a US$2.6mn project preparation grant from the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance, and at least US$1.2bn in private sector funding.

“Nigeria has the talent, the market, and the ambition; what it has lacked is the backbone infrastructure to connect that potential to opportunity. D-VIBE changes that. From the north to the south, from farms to factories to classrooms, this investment will make high-speed connectivity a reality for every Nigerian community and give young people the tools to build their futures digitally,” said Abdul Kamara, director general, African Development Bank Group Nigeria Office.

The project is being coordinated through a working group of development finance institutions, jointly led by the Nigerian government and the African Development Bank Group, to align technical design, studies, and funding strategies.

Beyond expanding infrastructure, D-VIBE will focus on stimulating demand through improved access to affordable devices, large-scale digital skills development, and support for digital platforms across priority sectors. It will also strengthen cybersecurity frameworks and promote market competition, while incorporating sustainability measures such as hybrid and renewable energy solutions to enhance resilience.

Over its lifecycle, the initiative is expected to generate up to 2.8 million jobs and increase national broadband penetration from 45% to around 70% by 2030.

The project supports Nigeria’s Vision 2050, the National Development Plan, and the Renewed Hope Development Plan (2026–2030), while also aligning with African Union Agenda 2063 and the African Development Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033).

Oni-Tel strengthens Africa Data Centres fibre network. (Image source: African Data Centres)

Each school receives internet connectivity with speeds of no less than 10 Mbps and a 500GB fair usage allowance. (Image source: African Data Centres)

Mobile

Digitally track and locate tools with Brady’s RFID solution. (Image source: Brady Corporation)

Mobile

Get a real-time list of equipment present in a vehicle and see what is missing versus an established vehicle equipment list. Select missing tools on-screen. Quickly home in with proximity-increasing sounds and visuals on a portable RFID reader

Discover the affordable RFID Scan & Drive solution from Brady!

Have you ever arrived at an intervention without the necessary equipment? Ever lost tools during field interventions? How much time do you spend to make sure all equipment is accounted for, and present in your vehicles? Now you can confirm vehicle inventories digitally and automatically, highlight any missing assets, and home in on misplaced items to quickly complete your vehicles. How much time could you save?

Everything present

Instantly see which tools are present in a vehicle - and what is missing. Easily save substantial time per vehicle, per intervention, with automated equipment inventory checks that take only seconds.

By labelling equipment with passive, battery-free UHF RFID labels, we can let an RFID reader in your vehicle detect which tools and items are present. The RFID reader can check detected tools versus a list of expected items to confirm a complete vehicle inventory or to highlight missing equipment on your phone.

Be fully equipped before leaving for a field intervention. Avoid losing tools after interventions. Don’t waste time checking visually where every piece of equipment is. Just scan, get confirmation in seconds, and drive to your next destination.

Home in on assets

Quickly find misplaced equipment. Home in on specific items with a portable RFID reader and proximity-increasing sounds and visuals.

Passive, battery-free UHF RFID labels bounce back radio signals from a portable RFID reader up to 15 metres. By measuring the strength of the returning radio signal with patented data capture technology, our portable RFID readers guide users towards a unique RFID label applied on a specific tool. When closing in, auditive and visual feedback strength from the reader increases.

Brady RFID vanscan 400x340RFID labels can include an LED, powered by an RFID reader from a 1.5 metre distance, to let a tool light up or to find it in a dense inventory of equipment.

Solution components

Brady develops and manufactures every component in our solution. Tested in in-house laboratories, each component is designed to withstand the wear and tear of field interventions, including exposure to UV, dust and moisture. 

  • RFID labels: Brady offers industrial grade on- and off-metal RFID-labels and tags that stay attached and remain legible on your equipment.
  • Fixed RFID readers: Equipped with patented data capture technology, Brady’s fixed RFID readers collect data on items passing through their read range.
  • Portable RFID readers: With intuitive displays, Brady’s portable RFID readers and SLEDs deliver unmatched mobility, data collection and interaction.

Are you interested in automated inventory checks solution from Brady? Visit our website, watch the short video and download the free RFID labelling guidebook.

Find out more now!

BRADY in Africa
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
T: +27 11 704 3295
 

Financial inclusion grows through mobile money usage

Bringing direct-to-cell satellite connectivity to 4G smartphones in no coverage areas

Satellite

Orange Tunisie rolls out satellite broadband in Tunisia

Satellite

Orange Tunisie has introduced satellite-based broadband services in Tunisia, expanding its connectivity offerings through an existing collaboration with Eutelsat. The new service delivers internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps

Branded as Orange Satellite, the solution is designed to provide nationwide coverage, with a strong emphasis on reaching remote and underserved areas where traditional telecom infrastructure is limited or unavailable. This enables more consistent and reliable connectivity in locations that are typically difficult to serve.

The company stated that the service is offered through two packages, including one tailored specifically for professionals operating in isolated or rural environments.

The offering is powered by Eutelsat’s next-generation KONNECT satellite, which delivers enhanced performance compared to previous systems. Improvements include greater bandwidth capacity, stronger signal reliability and significantly higher data throughput.

This development builds on a multi-year partnership agreement signed in 2024 between Orange Middle East and Africa and Eutelsat, aimed at expanding access to broadband services using the KONNECT satellite platform. The initial deployment under this agreement covered markets such as Jordan, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with further expansion planned across other countries in which Orange operates.

In a related development, Orange also signed an agreement with Eutelsat Group in June 2025 to leverage the OneWeb constellation for delivering low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity. This service is aimed at enterprise and government customers globally, with a strong focus on Africa and the Middle East.

Beyond the markets already mentioned, Orange operates mobile networks across several countries, including Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Central African Republic, Senegal and Sierra Leone.

Boeing to line-fit SES satellite connectivity systems. (Image source: SES)

Amazon Leo adds D2D with Globalstar merger

Commerce

Africa’s rising digital talent opportunity

Commerce

According to Dr Jannie Zaaiman, secretary general of the Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa), the wave of global technology layoffs could present a strategic opportunity for Africa to strengthen its digital workforce

As companies in advanced economies restructure around artificial intelligence (AI), the continent faces a strategic decision. It can remain a consumer of external technology, or invest in developing a workforce capable of competing in the global digital economy.

Job reductions across the technology sector did not stop after the initial post-pandemic slowdown. Instead, layoffs have become a recurring feature as companies that expanded aggressively during the boom years pivot toward profitability and operational efficiency. Tight budgets and shifting priorities have pushed many firms to streamline operations. In early 2026, several major technology companies, including Amazon and Meta, continued to announce workforce reductions as part of this recalibration.

Executives increasingly cite AI and automation as factors enabling companies to operate with smaller teams. At Swedish fintech company Klarna, leadership has publicly stated that improvements in AI-driven efficiency are allowing the organisation to rely less on aggressive hiring, instead managing workforce changes through attrition and technological optimisation.

These developments have created a growing pool of highly skilled professionals including software engineers, data analysts, product managers and designers seeking new opportunities. Many are open to remote collaboration, contract work or advisory roles. For African technology ecosystems, this represents a potential advantage. If structured pathways exist, international experts could contribute mentorship, specialised knowledge and project support to emerging local teams.

Africa’s digital skills gap

Africa’s demographic profile provides a strong foundation for digital growth. More than 60% of the continent’s population is under the age of 25, making it the youngest region in the world. However, the education and training pipeline remains limited. A study conducted jointly by the African Union and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization found that only around 10% to 15% of young Africans currently have access to structured digital education. Even fewer, less than 5%, receive training in advanced disciplines such as programming, data analytics or cybersecurity.

At the same time, demand for digital capability is accelerating rapidly. According to projections from the World Bank, sub-Saharan Africa could generate approximately 230 million digital-related jobs by 2030 as digital services expand across sectors.

Research from the International Finance Corporation highlights that this demand will extend far beyond traditional technology roles. By 2030, some level of digital literacy will be required for at least half of all jobs in Kenya and between 35% and 45% of jobs in countries such as Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. In many cases, these will be non-technical positions where digital competence becomes a basic requirement rather than a specialised skill.

The pace at which workplace skills are evolving further underscores the urgency. The World Economic Forum, through its Future of Jobs analysis, suggests that employers expect major shifts in required skills within the next five years as technology adoption continues to accelerate globally. For Africa, the challenge is not only closing the existing skills gap but also building systems capable of continuously updating workforce capabilities.

A global talent opportunity

If layoffs in advanced economies represent a redistribution of global talent, Africa’s advantage lies in its scale and youth population. According to analysis in the Foresight Africa 2025–2030 initiative by the Brookings Institution, the continent could create as many as 650 million opportunities for digital training. This represents a potential market valued at approximately US$130 billion and could support the development of up to 230 million digital jobs.

At the same time, global workforce projections point to a major shortage of skilled labour. Consultancy Korn Ferry estimates that by 2030 the world could face a deficit of more than 85 million skilled workers. If these shortages remain unresolved, the resulting productivity gap could cost the global economy up to US$8.5 trillion annually. This imbalance creates a significant opportunity for Africa to become a key supplier of digital talent, provided investments in training and education accelerate.

Several initiatives already demonstrate what is possible. Google’s Digital Skills for Africa programme has reportedly trained more than 10 million people since its launch in 2017. In addition, continent-wide initiatives such as the Smart Africa Digital Academy aim to equip thousands of government officials and young professionals with digital competencies by 2026. The next challenge is scaling these efforts so that they produce not only certificates but also job-ready professionals with practical experience.

Moving toward a talent strategy

Rather than focusing solely on global technology layoffs, African policymakers and industry leaders should frame the conversation around talent development. Digital skills need to be treated as core infrastructure, alongside broadband connectivity, reliable electricity and efficient logistics systems. Training programmes must also align closely with labour market demand in areas such as software development, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and product management.

The economic rationale is clear. Research from the World Bank indicates that each additional year of schooling can increase hourly earnings by roughly 10%. When combined with digital capabilities, that impact can expand significantly by enabling participation in modern economic sectors including remote services, digital trade, fintech and AI-enabled productivity.

To capture this opportunity, several pathways need to be accelerated. Digital literacy and data skills should be integrated more deeply into secondary school education. Governments and industry should expand public-private bootcamps and apprenticeship programmes focused on measurable employment outcomes rather than simply enrolment figures. Greater inclusion is also essential, particularly by addressing barriers that prevent women and rural populations from accessing digital training.

In addition, structured remote-work frameworks could allow global experts to mentor African trainees while participating in local technology projects. This approach would convert international expertise into sustainable domestic capability.

Africa therefore has an opportunity to move beyond observing the global technology workforce reshuffle. By investing strategically in digital education and talent pipelines, the continent can position itself as a hub where the next generation of globally competitive digital professionals is trained, employed and connected to the wider world.

Vodacom Group highlighted renewable energy pathways and policy reforms to decarbonise Africa’s ICT sector

IFC partners with Cashi to scale interoperable digital payments in Chad. (Image source: IFC)

Power

Mozambique’s energy sector to receive a boost from the African Development Bank following the institution’s participation in Maputo at the Africa50 summit

Power

Mozambique’s energy sector is to receive a boost from the African Development Bank (AfDB) following the institution’s participation in Maputo at the Africa50 shareholders meeting

Africa50 is an investment platform established by African governments with the AfDB, which has now surpassed US$1.4bn in managed assets directed at infrastructure provision.

At the 2025 summit, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Electricidade de Mozambique (EDM) for the development of three transmission lines under an Independent Power Transmission (IPT) framework.

“This will help support the government’s ambition to achieve universal electricity access by 2030 and become a significant exporter of power across the Southern African Development Community,” a statement released by AfDB noted.

Finalisation of the project development agreements is now underway for three lines under an IPT framework, partnering with Power Grid and EDM, it added.

A separate MoU was also signed with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation to build a new data centre facility in Maputo and to modernise the existing one.

Africa50’s Mozambique portfolio already includes equity investment in the 175MW Central Termica de Ressano Garcia (CTRG) gas-fired power plant.

According to Dr Akinwumi Adesina, president of the AfDB Group, investments by Africa50 complement broader support from the bank itself that have delivered some US$1.6bn to Mozambique over the past decade.

This investment includes US$400mn in senior debt financing for the country's flagship US$20bn liquified natural gas (LNG) project in Cabo Delgado, as well as the US$34mn Mozambique Energy for All Project, which has connected more than 45,500 households to electricity.

The bank claims its energy sector investments have helped to double Mozambique's national energy access rate from 30% in 2018 to 60% in 2024.

The AfDB has also supported agricultural transformation through special agro-industrial processing zones, including the Pemba-Lichinga corridor, while financing critical transport infrastructure along the Nacala and Beira corridors that enhance regional trade connectivity for the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Earlier this year, the AfDB approved US$43.6mn in funding for the construction of the Namaacha-Boane transmission line and related electricity infrastructure

EDM will implement the project in partnership with Central Eléctrica da Namaacha (CEN), a private sector-led development group involving Globeleq Africa Limited and Source Energia that is building the 120 MW Namaacha wind farm in the southwestern part of the country. 

The Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy supplies up to 52 kW of scalable 48 V DC power and delivers efficiency levels of up to 98%. (Image source: Vertiv)

International Power Control Systems (IPCS) has been named as a distribution partner in Malawi by Vertiv, a specialist in critical digital infrastructure

Security

ASM strategies to protect digital assets

Security

Attack surface management (ASM) has seen significant growth in recent years, evolving into a recognised market category that provides businesses with the visibility and strategies needed to safeguard their digital assets, reports Kyle Pillay, security as a service manager at Datacentrix

As Forrester’s Attack Surface Management Solutions Landscape, Q2 2024 notes, ASM “delivers insights on assets that ultimately support business objectives, keep the lights on, generate revenue, and delight customers.”

At its essence, ASM involves continuously discovering, identifying, inventorying, and assessing the exposures of an organisation’s IT asset estate, a foundational step in maintaining a strong security posture.

Knowing your environment

Fundamentally, ASM helps organisations ‘know your environment’, highlighting gaps in defenses before attackers can exploit them.

Every threat actor or hacker begins with reconnaissance, mapping out your external-facing assets. This is why External Attack Surface Management (EASM) exists: it concentrates on what attackers can see. Without viewing your environment through this external lens, organisations cannot know which access points are visible or exploitable, leaving them unable to proactively detect or prevent threats before incidents occur.

First steps in protecting your attack surface

The first step in ASM is identifying external-facing touchpoints such as public IPs and domains. For instance, you might recognise your primary domain (e.g., mydomain.co.za), but visibility into similar domains, like mydomain.com, mydomain.net, mydomain.tech, or mydomain.ac.za, is also crucial. These can be targeted for domain squatting or cybersquatting, where attackers exploit similar names to mislead users and enable phishing attacks.

A strong ASM solution not only maps your current footprint but also identifies domains worth securing before malicious actors register them.

If a deceptive domain is registered, like mydomain-tech.co.za, you need an effective takedown process. International domain takedowns can be complex, requiring a partner capable of legally liaising with registrars across jurisdictions. With the right procedures and partnerships, such domains can often be removed within four to eight hours, limiting potential damage.

Keeping pace with today’s infrastructure

One of ASM’s biggest challenges is keeping up with the rapid growth and sprawl of modern IT environments. While multiple tools exist, none fully match the speed of change, even as vendors iterate frequently, often in weekly development sprints, to maintain relevant detection capabilities.

Beyond speed, perspective matters. While an organisation may have visibility from one viewpoint, attackers do not limit themselves to a single angle. To defend effectively against modern threats, you need to view your environment as attackers do and understand vulnerabilities exploitable from within. This is where distinguishing between external and internal ASM becomes crucial.

External ASM (EASM) focuses on publicly exposed digital assets, whereas internal ASM addresses vulnerabilities inside the network. Internal ASM uses network exposure activity tools to simulate real-world attack techniques, often following frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, to identify weaknesses from the inside. These simulations test whether known attack methods bypass security controls, whether sensitive data can be exfiltrated, whether passwords are weak or compromised, and if lateral movement within the network is possible.

Combining internal and external ASM provides a more accurate view of your security posture, allowing organisations to close gaps before exploitation.

Making the business case for ASM

Cost is often a concern with ASM investments, but when weighed against the reputational and financial impact of a breach, or the risk of sensitive data appearing on the dark web, the case for prevention is clear.

The reality is simple. Without a combination of internal and external ASM, organisations remain essentially blind to vulnerabilities. The ability to identify, monitor, and remediate gaps before adversaries exploit them has become a business imperative.

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