By adopting strong cybersecurity measures, African manufacturers can protect their assets while improving operational efficiency, boosting productivity, and gaining a competitive advantage.
This is the view of Lionel Dartnall, SADC Country Manager of Check Point Software Technologies, a pioneer and global leader of cyber security solutions.
“Digital transformation is reshaping the manufacturing landscape, bringing both new opportunities and significant risks. As manufacturing operations increasingly rely on interconnected systems, cybersecurity has become a critical concern,” he says.
From ransomware to supply chain vulnerabilities, African manufacturers face cyber threats that not only jeopardise their financial stability but also disrupt global operations.
Fortunately, by adopting a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity manufacturers can not only defend against attacks but also improve operational efficiency.
Impact of manufacturing sector in Africa
Manufacturing plays a huge role in many African economies, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and industrial development. However, as the sector adopts more digital technologies, the risk of cyberattacks is escalating, impacting not just African manufacturers themselves but the broader economy.
According to the World Economic Forum, manufacturing accounts for about 10% of Africa’s total GDP on average. In 2023, Africa’s manufacturing output was valued at $500 billion, with key sectors such as food processing, textiles, and consumer electronics experiencing significant growth.
Manufacturing in South Africa alone contributes close to 13% to the GDP, about $29 billion, according to PWC’s 2024 Manufacturing Analysis. Ethiopia, Kenya, and Morocco have also seen growth in their manufacturing sectors, with notable advancements in textiles, automotive, and consumer goods production.
1. Job Creation
The manufacturing sector is also a major source of employment across the continent. According to the 2024 South African Reserve Bank Occasional Bulletin of Economic Notes, it accounts for about 12% of formal sector jobs in the country, with Nigeria also relying on manufacturing for significant employment, particularly in agro-processing and cement industries. Across the continent, manufacturing provides critical income and skill development opportunities, especially in industrial hubs like Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg.
2. Investment and Infrastructure
In response to increasing demand, several African nations are investing heavily in manufacturing infrastructure. New industrial parks and special economic zones (SEZs) in countries like Ethiopia, Egypt, and Rwanda are attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and driving sector growth. As a result, Africa is positioning itself as an increasingly attractive destination for global manufacturing investments.
Rising Cybersecurity Threats to the Manufacturing Sector
As the sector has grown in significance, so the cybersecurity threat landscape has become more complex and perilous. Check Point Software’s The State of Global Cyber Security 2025 Report revealed a 44% increase in global cyber attacks in 2024, signaling that threats are rapidly evolving, with the manufacturing sector being a prime target.
In the third quarter of 2024 alone, manufacturing globally saw a 75% increase in cyber-attacks compared to the previous year, with organisations experiencing an average of 1,876 attacks each. This is a 15% rise from the previous quarter.
Cybersecurity Risks in Africa’s Manufacturing Sector
Despite its importance, African manufacturing sector faces significant cybersecurity challenges. The increasing digitalisation of manufacturing processes, combined with the integration of IT and OT, has exponentially raised the risk of cyberattacks. This is becoming a systemic issue with the potential to destabilise entire economies.
“Manufacturers face unique vulnerabilities due to their reliance on outdated legacy systems that are hard to patch and the growing integration of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT),” Dartnall says.
- Internet of Things
Additionally, the increasing use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in Africa’s manufacturing facilities creates further vulnerabilities, enabling attackers to exploit weaknesses in factory networks.
- Ransomware
Manufacturers are particularly vulnerable to ransomware because attackers know that shutting down production can result in severe financial damage. These threats are no longer hypothetical: According to the Waterfall Security Solutions’ 2024 Threat Report , in 2023, 68 cyber-attacks in Africa’s manufacturing sector led to substantial operational disruptions, causing physical damage across over 500 manufacturing sites, leading to production shutdowns and logistical delays.
- Supply Chain Risks
Africa’s manufacturing supply chains are often intricate, involving numerous suppliers, contractors, and logistics providers, all of which can serve as entry points for cybercriminals. The rise of cloud services in manufacturing has also introduced risks related to misconfigured cloud settings, data breaches, and attacks targeting third-party services.
Economic Impact of Cybersecurity Breaches
The economic consequences of cybersecurity breaches in Africa’s manufacturing sector are profound. Cyberattacks not only lead to financial losses but also damage reputations, erode investor confidence, and disrupt national economies.
1. Losses and Operational Disruptions
Cyberattacks that disrupt operations lead to substantial financial losses, including the cost of system recovery, production downtime, and data restoration. In 2023, the cost of cybercrime in Africa was estimated at $4.1 billion annually, with a significant portion attributed to manufacturing disruptions.
2. Impact on GDP and Job Losses
In countries like South Africa, where manufacturing is a key driver of the economy, cyberattacks can significantly impact GDP. In 2024, cybercrime was estimated to cost South Africa nearly 1% of its GDP, according to Check Point’s 2024 African Perspectives on Cybersecurity Report.
Furthermore, production shutdowns resulting from cyberattacks can lead to widespread job losses, especially in sectors like manufacturing where smooth operations are critical for employment.
Enhancing Cybersecurity While Improving Operational Efficiency
To mitigate these risks, African manufacturers must adopt a multi-layered cybersecurity approach that not only defends against attacks but also improves operational efficiency. One such solution is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), which integrates networking and security into a unified system, helping manufacturers safeguard their networks while boosting productivity and minimizing downtime.
- Use Case 1: Operational Transformation
Take the case, for example, of an African manufacturer facing increased competition and pressure to reduce operational costs. After an internal audit, the company identified significant inefficiencies, including machine idle time, poor connectivity, and excessive IT tickets related to connectivity and security issues.
By implementing a SASE solution such as Check Point’s Harmony SASE, the manufacturer was able to address these challenges. The improved network performance resulted in faster access to cloud resources, eliminating bottlenecks and reducing downtime.
As a result, it saw a 23% improvement in on-time delivery rates and reduced machine idle time below industry benchmarks. In addition to enhanced security, the company saved money by retiring costly MPLS systems that were previously used to connect production facilities and warehouses.
- Use Case 2: Securing a Complex Supply Chain
Another example comes from African manufacturers with a highly complex supply chain, spanning multiple suppliers, remote employees, and third-party contractors. With so many entry points, the security team was concerned about breaches, particularly of the company’s research and development systems.
After adopting a SASE solution such as Check Point Harmony SASE, the company strengthened its security posture by implementing a Zero Trust model that restricted supplier access to only necessary areas of the network.
This approach segmented the network and reduced lateral movement, protecting sensitive systems. The results were significant: the company saw a 30% reduction in security alerts and successfully thwarted several unauthorised access attempts. Moreover, by improving security across the supply chain, the company enhanced its overall risk management.
The frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks on the manufacturing sector are escalating, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive cybersecurity solutions.
“Manufacturers must view cyber security as a strategic tool that enhances both security and operational efficiency. By embracing technologies like SASE, manufacturers can protect against cyber threats while driving productivity, reducing costs, and gaining a competitive edge in the global marketplace,” Dartnall concludes.
In today’s digital manufacturing era, strong cybersecurity is not just an option—it is essential for long-term success.
