: 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.

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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: Adani Energy Solutions partners with Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) to develop key power infrastructure in Kenya, marking the Indian conglomerate’s strategic expansion into East Africa. Despite past controversies, the deal signals major growth potential for Kenya’s energy sector.
By Charles Wachira

Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s power transmission arm, Adani Energy Solutions, has taken a significant step into Kenya’s energy sector. The company recently inked a deal with the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) to develop, finance, and maintain key power infrastructure in the country. This partnership, a first for the Adani Group in East Africa, is set to bolster Kenya’s efforts to improve its electricity transmission capacity and meet growing energy demands. However, the deal also raises eyebrows due to past controversies surrounding Adani’s business practices and concerns about transparency.

The Significance for Kenya

For Kenya, the agreement with Adani Energy Solutions presents a much-needed boost to its power infrastructure. The country has been grappling with power shortages, frequent blackouts, and an aging grid that hampers industrial growth and investment. By partnering with Adani, KETRACO is looking to upgrade its transmission lines and expand capacity to handle more electricity from both renewable and conventional sources.

Kenya’s energy demand is projected to rise sharply over the next decade due to industrialization and urbanization, and this partnership comes at a critical time. The deal will help Kenya leverage private investment to improve its energy network, a key component of the government’s Vision 2030 economic blueprint.

In a statement following the signing of the agreement, KETRACO Managing Director Anthony Wamukota expressed optimism: “This partnership is a milestone for Kenya. We are aligning our energy infrastructure with global standards and taking a significant step toward improving the reliability and efficiency of power transmission in the country.”

Adani Energy Solutions will finance, construct, and maintain several key transmission projects. This includes extending transmission lines to remote areas and building advanced substations to improve grid stability, ensuring that more Kenyans have access to reliable electricity.

A Controversial Player

Despite the potential benefits, the deal has sparked concern among critics of the Adani Group, which has faced accusations of financial mismanagement and environmental violations in other markets. Adani’s business empire came under intense scrutiny in 2023 when U.S.-based short-seller Hindenburg Research accused the group of fraud and stock manipulation, causing a sharp drop in the value of Adani stocks. Though Adani has denied these allegations, the scandal led to increased scrutiny of its operations and governance.

Opposition figures in Kenya have raised concerns about the transparency of the deal with Adani, questioning whether the group’s controversial track record was adequately considered. Some have also pointed to potential environmental risks given Adani’s history with coal mining and power plants, which have attracted criticism for their impact on local communities and ecosystems in India and other countries.

Kenyan energy expert Michael Otieno remarked: “The entry of Adani Energy into Kenya could provide significant upgrades to our power grid, but it also comes with risks. We must ensure that the company adheres to Kenya’s environmental and governance standards, especially given the controversies surrounding its global operations.”

What the Deal Means for Adani

For Adani Energy Solutions, this partnership marks its formal entry into East Africa, expanding the company’s African footprint. The Kenyan project aligns with Adani’s broader strategy of investing in energy infrastructure in emerging markets. It allows the company to capitalize on Africa’s growing demand for electricity and play a role in shaping the continent’s energy future.

Adani has previously invested in Africa, with mixed results. In Egypt, the company invested in a solar energy project as part of the country’s push toward renewable energy. Meanwhile, in South Africa, Adani Group made inroads into the coal sector, though the venture faced stiff opposition from environmentalists and local communities due to concerns over pollution and displacement.

Despite these challenges, Adani’s ability to secure major energy projects in Africa underscores its growing influence. Kenya’s deal is particularly strategic for Adani, as it allows the company to tap into East Africa’s potential and position itself as a key player in the region’s energy transition.

Africa’s Growing Importance for Adani

Adani’s investments in Africa reflect a larger trend of Indian companies seeking opportunities on the continent, especially in sectors like energy, infrastructure, and technology. Africa’s growing middle class, coupled with its vast untapped resources, makes it an attractive destination for investors.

In Mozambique, the Adani Group has invested in coal mining operations, exporting millions of tons of coal to global markets. However, the venture has drawn criticism for its environmental impact and displacement of local communities. In Nigeria, Adani has been exploring energy sector investments, though these plans have not yet materialized on a large scale.

Kenya could serve as a springboard for Adani to deepen its presence in East Africa, where countries like Tanzania and Uganda are also seeking private sector partners to improve their energy infrastructure.

The Road Ahead

While the Adani-KETRACO deal could bring significant upgrades to Kenya’s power sector, the long-term success of the partnership will depend on transparency, environmental stewardship, and adherence to local regulations. Kenya has learned hard lessons from past public-private partnerships that failed to deliver expected results due to corruption, mismanagement, and lack of accountability.

Kenya’s energy future holds immense potential, but it will require careful oversight to ensure that partnerships like the one with Adani Energy Solutions deliver the promised benefits without repeating the mistakes of the past.

As Gautam Adani’s company makes its official entry into Kenya, it opens a new chapter in both the country’s energy ambitions and Adani’s expansion into Africa—a relationship that will be closely watched by stakeholders across the continent.

In the words of Adani Energy Solutions CEO, “This project is part of our commitment to developing sustainable, reliable, and efficient energy infrastructure across Africa. We look forward to contributing to Kenya’s energy goals and playing a role in its growth story.”

With high stakes and significant potential, the Adani-KETRACO deal is poised to shape Kenya’s energy landscape and drive broader discussions on the role of international players in the country’s development.

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