Bridging the Gap: Insights from the Africa Human Risk Management Report 2025

In today’s digital age, the shield of cybersecurity is paramount, especially in regions experiencing rapid growth like Africa. A recent study, the Africa Human Risk Management Report 2025, sheds light on a critical issue facing organizations across the continent: a stark disconnect between leadership perceptions and employee experiences regarding cybersecurity readiness. This disparity could prove costly for businesses as they navigate a landscape fraught with cyber threats.

Understanding the Disconnect

The report, which draws insights from cybersecurity decision-makers in 30 African nations, reveals that while organizational leaders exhibit strong confidence in their security protocols, this assurance is not echoed among employees. For instance, only 10% of cybersecurity leaders feel completely confident that their staff would report potential threats such as phishing attacks. This statistic starkly contrasts the high employee security awareness ratings—often marked at four out of five or higher—indicating a dissonance that could undermine overall security efforts.

Anna Collard, the Senior Vice President of Content Strategy and Evangelism at KnowBe4 Africa, articulates this disconnect sharply: "There’s a disconnect here—between what leaders think is happening and what employees are actually experiencing." Collard emphasizes that this gap becomes a dangerous liability if procedural and cultural supports do not accompany raised awareness.

The Training Paradigm: A Missed Opportunity

As organizations strive to cultivate a more security-conscious workforce, many are failing to implement effective training programs. The report highlights that a staggering 68% of decision-makers believe that their security awareness training is appropriately customized for specific roles, yet only about a third of employees share this sentiment. This misalignment underscores the reality that training is often too generic, conducted merely on an annual or biannual basis, and lacks the necessary specificity to drive behavior change effectively.

Furthermore, data reveals a troubling trend: just 43% of African employees felt confident in recognizing potential cyber threats. The report raises the alarm over this dearth of confidence and awareness, suggesting that organizations may be underestimating the importance of tailored training efforts.

The Threat of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

The growing trend of employees using personal devices for work—known as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)—adds another layer of complexity to the cybersecurity landscape. With 41% to 80% of employees operating on personal devices, the potential for security breaches rises significantly, as these devices often lack robust security measures. This increasing practice exposes firms to vulnerabilities, a risk that many organizations have yet to fully address.

AI Governance: A Call for Policy Development

As organizations increasingly incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) tools to streamline operations, many are yet to establish clear governance frameworks for their usage. The report indicates that 46% of organizations are still formulating policies surrounding AI in the workplace. Without concrete guidelines, organizations remain at risk of inadvertently creating vulnerabilities, thus reinforcing the crucial need for a proactive stance on AI security governance.

Regional Insights: A Patchwork of Preparedness

The report uncovers fascinating regional variations in cybersecurity training and governance across Africa. Southern Africa tends to offer the most frequent training, while East Africa excels in AI management. Conversely, West and Central Africa appear to contend with the highest incidence of employee-related security incidents. These insights illuminate the diverse landscape of cybersecurity readiness throughout the continent, revealing pockets of both strength and vulnerability.

Moving from Awareness to Action

Collard’s observations underscore a vital paradox within African cybersecurity: While organizations exude a sense of vigilance and preparedness, significant blind spots linger, particularly regarding the management of human risks. The report articulates a roadmap to bridge this gap, advocating for the implementation of role-specific training, measurable outcomes, robust AI policy development, and improved reporting structures.

In conclusion, the Africa Human Risk Management Report 2025 not only details the challenges confronting organizations but also highlights the potential for meaningful improvements. By fostering an environment where awareness translates into action, African organizations can strengthen their cybersecurity posture, transforming vulnerabilities into opportunities for resilience and growth. In a world increasingly defined by digital interconnectivity, addressing these disparities is not just prudent—it’s imperative.