Artificial intelligence adoption in Africa is growing as companies aim to improve productivity and automate workflows.
A survey of 1,800 IT and cybersecurity professionals across 18 countries found that 82% of organizations are concerned about risks tied to AI, even as adoption continues to accelerate. The findings highlight a growing gap between AI enthusiasm and security preparedness.
AI use expands, but security risks rise
Companies are embedding AI into key operations. More than half use it for data analysis and visualization, while 49% apply it to project management and 47% for information searches. Nearly half also rely on AI for department-specific tasks, and 41% use it for text generation and editing.
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Most organizations support AI adoption—68% would recommend tools with built-in AI features, and only 5% prefer to avoid AI-enabled tools. In Africa, where digital transformation is accelerating in sectors such as financial services, telecommunications, retail, and government services, AI adoption presents significant opportunities to improve efficiency, expand access to services, and strengthen competitiveness.
Some organizations that experienced cyber incidents in the previous year reported threats connected specifically to AI-related vulnerabilities. These risks include malicious AI applications, exposure of sensitive information through external AI platforms, insecure development practices, and employees adopting AI tools without approval from their organization’s security teams.
Brandon Muller, a senior security consultant for the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa at Kaspersky, said, “The speed at which organisations are adopting AI is remarkable, but it must be matched with an equally strong commitment to security. Organisations need a combination of technology, clear internal procedures and security-aware employees to manage emerging risks.”
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Policies and training fall short
Cybersecurity experts recommend establishing clear internal policies that define acceptable use, protect sensitive data, and provide employees with guidance on responsible AI practices. Employee education is becoming increasingly important as AI tools become more accessible. Staff need to understand the risks of sharing confidential information with external platforms, recognizing AI-related threats, and following organizational security procedures.
Businesses should also monitor how AI tools are being used internally. Unapproved adoption of third-party AI services, sometimes referred to as “shadow AI,” can create security gaps if organizations lack visibility into the tools being used by employees.
For businesses across Africa, the rapid introduction of AI tools also creates challenges for organizations that may not yet have mature cybersecurity frameworks, governance processes, or employee training programs.
