: Kenya and Mauritius face rising DDoS attacks, topping East Africa. Discover
what drives these threats and how nations are fortifying defences.

Kenya and Mauritius are increasingly becoming hotspots for cybercrime in East Africa,
according to the recently released NETSCOUT 1H2024 DDoS Threat Intelligence
Report (TIR).

Both countries recorded the highest volumes of Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS)
attacks in the region, with cybercriminals deploying increasingly sophisticated, multi-
vector techniques to disrupt services.

DDoS SURGE IN KENYA AND MAURITIUS

Bryan Hamman, Regional Director for Africa at NETSCOUT, emphasised the growing
threat.

“Kenya and Mauritius are bearing the brunt of DDoS attacks in East Africa. Attackers
are not only increasing the volume but also leveraging multi-vector approaches that
make detection and mitigation far more challenging,” Hamman explained.

In Kenya, where the tech ecosystem thrives on innovations such as M-Pesa and
expansive mobile banking services, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)
reported a 12% increase in cyberattacks in the first half of 2024, translating to 459
million incidents.

Similarly, Mauritius, recognised as a financial hub, saw a sharp rise in attacks on its
financial services sector, a key contributor to its GDP.

WHAT DRIVES THE TARGETTING OF KENYA AND MAURITIUS?

Technological Advancement:

Both nations are at the forefront of digital transformation in East Africa, which,
while driving economic growth, also exposes vulnerabilities. Hamman noted,
“The more interconnected these economies become, the larger the attack
surface for cybercriminals.”

Economic Significance:

Kenya’s dominance as a regional tech hub and Mauritius’s role in global financial
services make them prime targets for malicious actors seeking to exploit high-
value systems.

Insufficient Cybersecurity Infrastructure:

Despite advancements, gaps in cybersecurity frameworks persist. For instance,
Kenya’s Data Protection Act of 2019 and Mauritius’s cybersecurity strategy have
struggled to keep pace with the sophistication of modern cyber threats.

COMPARISON WITHIN EAST AFRICA

While Kenya and Mauritius grapple with these challenges, regional peers like Rwanda
and Tanzania have demonstrated resilience.

• ● Rwanda: Known for its proactive measures, such as the National Cyber Security
• Authority (NCSA), Rwanda has kept DDoS incidents relatively low. In the first half
• of 2024, the country reported only 36 million attacks.
• ● Tanzania: With the establishment of its Computer Emergency Response Team
• (CERT) in 2020, Tanzania has reduced phishing and ransomware incidents by
• 35% and 20%, respectively.

IMPACT OF CYBERCRIME

The repercussions are severe, affecting sectors critical to economic stability:
● Kenya: The banking and telecommunications sectors, central to the country’s
GDP, have faced significant disruptions. Safaricom reported a two-hour outage in
April 2024 linked to a DDoS attack, costing millions in lost revenue.
● Mauritius: The financial services industry has suffered data breaches and
operational downtimes, undermining investor confidence.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION

Enhanced Cybersecurity Policies:

Governments must update regulations to reflect evolving threats. Public-private
partnerships can also drive innovation in defence mechanisms.

Regional Collaboration:

Establishing an East African Cyber Defense Alliance could enable nations to
share threat intelligence and resources.

Investment in Education and Awareness:

Cyber hygiene training for individuals and businesses can help minimize
vulnerabilities, particularly against phishing attacks and social engineering
tactics.

Adoption of Advanced Technologies:

Leveraging tools like AI-driven threat detection can provide real-time responses
to attacks.

CONCLUSION

As cybercriminals grow bolder and more sophisticated, Kenya and Mauritius must
accelerate efforts to fortify their defences. “A regional approach that blends technology,
policy, and awareness is key to turning the tide against these threats,” Hamman
concluded.
The path forward is clear: a united East African front, coupled with robust internal
reforms, can transform the region from a target to a cybersecurity stronghold.

: MTN Uganda’s profit climbs by 29.6% to Shs 459.4bn for 2024’s first nine months, driven by digital growth, fintech, and network expansion strategies.

MTN Uganda reported a 29.6% increase in profit after tax, reaching Shs 459.4 billion for the first nine months of the year, compared to Shs 354.5 billion during the same period in 2023. 

This growth reflects the telecom giant’s strategic focus on expanding digital services and enhancing network coverage to capture more market share in Uganda’s competitive telecommunications sector.

          CEO Cites Strategic Expansion and Digital Focus

Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Mulinge attributed the profit jump to effective cost management and a strong emphasis on digital transformation.

 “Our increased investment in infrastructure and focus on digital financial services continue to yield positive results, as seen in this remarkable growth,” she stated during the earnings release.

    Fintech and Data Services Lead Revenue Growth

Mobile data and MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) services played a significant role, as revenue from these segments has grown by over 20% year-on-year. 

With Uganda’s demand for digital financial solutions rapidly increasing, MTN Uganda’s focus on expanding MoMo has led to a substantial boost in customer uptake, contributing to a large portion of this year’s growth.

  Investments in Network Infrastructure Pay Off

MTN Uganda’s ongoing investments in 4G and 5G network infrastructure have also proven profitable.

 In 2024, the company increased its capital expenditure to Shs 200 billion, up from Shs 160 billion in 2023, to meet the growing demand for faster and more reliable internet. “MTN Uganda has successfully captured the increased demand for reliable and faster internet,” said Henry Tumusiime, a telecom analyst based in Kampala. “Their proactive approach to enhancing data service capabilities has kept them ahead, especially as the economy becomes more digitised.”

          Youth-Focused Campaigns Expand Subscriber Base

MTN’s early 2024 campaign aimed at youth — offering affordable data bundles and free educational content — attracted over 500,000 new users, expanding its subscriber base to 17 million, up from 16.5 million in 2023. This campaign has been instrumental in further driving revenue growth.

Outlook: Commitment to Quality and Digital Inclusion

Looking forward, MTN Uganda remains focused on delivering high-quality, affordable services to enhance digital inclusion. “As we approach year-end, our strategy remains anchored on delivering quality service, ensuring affordability, and growing digital inclusion,” Mulinge added.

MTN Uganda’s performance aligns with MTN Group’s broader strategy to connect Africa and strengthen digital finance solutions across the continent.

Discover Tanzania’s aviation breakthrough with the Skyleader 600, the first locally manufactured ultralight aircraft, unveiled at TIMEXPO 2024 in Dar es Salaam

    By Charles Wachira

In a groundbreaking achievement for Tanzania and Africa’s aviation sector, AIRPLANE Africa Limited (AAL), based in Morogoro, launched the Skyleader 600, marking the first ultralight aircraft manufactured in the country.

 The official unveiling took place at TIMEXPO 2024 in October 2024, setting a new milestone for local manufacturing and economic potential.

 The Skyleader 600: A Game-Changer in African Aviation Designed with business travelers in mind, the Skyleader 600 can carry two passengers, offering a cost-effective alternative for long-distance travel.

 The aircraft is praised for its modern design, affordability, and low maintenance costs. 

Powered by petrol fuel, it addresses the growing demand for accessible and efficient transportation across Tanzania and the wider African market.

 AAL’s Director, David Grolig, proudly remarked at the launch, “This is a historic moment not just for AIRPLANE Africa Limited, but for Tanzania. We have built something that will change the way people travel in this country and beyond.”

 His statement reflects the company’s larger vision to transform Tanzania into a key player in ultralight aircraft manufacturing in Africa.

 From Morogoro to the Skies: AAL’s Journey The journey to the Skyleader 600 began in 2019, when AIRPLANE Africa Limited was established in Morogoro. 

The company blended local Tanzanian expertise with Czech aviation technology, a country renowned for its ultralight aircraft production.

 This strategic collaboration has fostered a new generation of Tanzanian aviation professionals, thanks to internships and training programs designed to enhance skills and create jobs.

 “The partnership with Czech aviation experts was crucial,” said Grolig. “It’s a blend of global expertise and local ambition. We’re showing that when we work together, we can achieve remarkable things.”

 This combination has allowed AAL to tailor the Skyleader 600 to meet the unique needs of Africa’s business and private aviation sectors.

 TIMEXPO 2024: Showcasing Tanzanian Innovation The TIMEXPO 2024 trade fair in Dar es Salaam served as the launch platform for the Skyleader 600.

 This event, which highlights Tanzanian manufacturing, drew attention from global exhibitors and dignitaries.

 The Minister for Industry and Trade was in attendance, noting the significance of AAL’s achievement: “This is a symbol of what we can achieve when we invest in our local industries. The government is committed to supporting such initiatives as they create jobs, foster innovation, and help us become more self-reliant.”

 The launch has bolstered Tanzania’s image as a country capable of innovation, especially in high-tech sectors like aviation.

 The Skyleader 600 is expected to open new economic opportunities in tourism, pilot training, and aircraft maintenance services.

 Government Support and Economic Impact The Tanzanian government’s collaboration with AIRPLANE Africa Limited and its European partners has been key to the success of the Skyleader 600.

 Support from regulatory authorities and the provision of trade incentives reflect the government’s commitment to fostering local industries that reduce reliance on imports.

 Grolig acknowledged the government’s role, stating, “We couldn’t have done this without their backing. The government’s support has been essential in moving from concept to reality.”

 This partnership is a model for public-private collaboration, particularly in industries like aviation that require significant investment and expertise. 

Economic Potential and Future Growth The Skyleader 600’s production is expected to create ripple effects across Tanzania’s economy, from aviation services to job creation.

 It provides an affordable transportation solution, not only for Tanzania but also for neighboring African markets.

 AAL has ambitious plans to commercially sell the Skyleader 600, with Grolig hinting at future developments: “This is just the start. We plan to expand production, develop new models, and make Tanzania a leader in ultralight aircraft manufacturing in Africa.”

 A Vision for the Future The Skyleader 600 represents a turning point for Tanzania, not just in aviation but in its broader industrial ambitions.

 As the aircraft begins operations after its maiden landing at Julius Nyerere International Airport, it symbolizes Tanzania’s potential to innovate, manufacture, and compete on the global stage.

 In a world where aviation is dominated by Western and Asian manufacturers, Tanzania, through AIRPLANE Africa Limited, is making its mark with the Skyleader 600—an ultralight aircraft that carries the hopes of a nation into the skies. Keywords: Skyleader 600 launch Tanzania ultralight aircraft manufacturing in Africa AIRPLANE Africa Limited TIMEXPO 2024 aviation showcase Tanzanian aviation industry growth
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