Genetec Inc. (“Genetec”), a leader in enterprise physical security software, this week, shared its top predictions that are poised to shape Africa’s physical security industry in 2025 amid heightened demand for data and tech-driven strategies.
As Africa’s leading economies – South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya – accelerate their infrastructure development efforts, the need for robust, efficient, and collaborative physical security solutions has also grown significantly.
With critical industries such as transport, healthcare, banking, and education increasingly becoming hot targets for physical and data breaches, security analysts predict that security teams in the region are likely to shift their focus towards integrating solutions that offer a unified approach to securing critical public and private assets.
Practicality will overcome hype
According to the insightful predictions, organizations are increasingly becoming strategic in deploying the cloud – balancing on-premises, edge, and cloud solutions for optimal fit.
In 2025, decision-makers will prioritize hybrid systems, focusing on centralized monitoring, reduced maintenance with quick-deploy hybrid cloud systems, and modernizing video or access control systems without discarding existing investments.
Fully cloud-based deployments may optimize costs or enable broader third-party integrations using on-premises infrastructure. SaaS solutions supporting hybrid-cloud environments will offer the most flexibility, combining video, access control, and sensors from various manufacturers while integrating existing infrastructure via the cloud.
AI for outcome-driven benefits
The 2025 State of Physical Security Report indicates that 42% of respondents who work in procurement, management, or use of physical security technology, plan to deploy some facet of artificial intelligence (AI) in their security operations in the coming months.
When applied thoughtfully, AI-enabled security solutions can be game-changing. Especially when organizations start by identifying key operational challenges and then solve them through intelligent automation, which is a combination of AI, intuitive user experience, and automation.
The most effective implementations are anchored in Responsible AI, ensuring technology is both ethical and transparent. This approach not only mitigates risks but also enhances trust and compliance.
Organizations will prioritize data privacy
This, combined with the fact that 67% of organizations were impacted by industry regulations in the last year means organizations will continue to invest in data protection and industry compliance. However, not all physical security systems on the market are built to support these efforts.
“When deploying new systems, information technology (IT) and physical security teams globally and across the region are likely to integrate systems with built-in data protection and privacy tools and that have the latest certification. Based on their security needs, they’ll also prioritize cloud and hybrid-cloud solutions since upgrades and fixes automatically get pushed to their physical security system—including new cybersecurity and privacy features,” said Quintin Roberts, regional sales manager – Africa, Genetec.
Cross-team collaboration will gain traction
Genetec’s latest industry survey indicates that many organizations expect difficulty hiring qualified personnel in 2025.
This could explain why tools that help with data analysis and visualization, and improve collaboration between teams ranked among the top five projects for 2025. Organizations want to remove bottlenecks and ease stress for security teams.
To do that, they’ll look for tools that empower people in IT, facilities, and human resources with greater information and autonomy.
Stakeholders will demand more from service providers
Choosing physical security solutions doesn’t solely fall on the shoulders of security professionals anymore.
From IT teams and security operations to facilities teams, more people are getting involved in physical security decisions.
But they all come to the table with a focus on their own challenges, requirements, and priorities. Because of this, end users will demand more from service providers including channel partners, consultants, and technology vendors.
They expect these providers to have a deeper understanding of cybersecurity, operations, data, and business automation.
They’ll want more cohesive guidance to address stakeholder needs and equip them with the right tools.
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