Madagascar Launches National Cybersecurity Strategy to Counter Rising Digital Threats
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar – In a decisive move to secure its digital future, the Malagasy government has initiated the development of a comprehensive National Cybersecurity Strategy. This foundational policy aims to build systemic resilience against escalating cyber threats that endanger critical infrastructure, government operations, businesses, and citizens in one of the world’s most digitally vulnerable nations.
A Strategic Response to Systemic Vulnerability
Led by the Ministry of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications under the Malagasy Digital Governance and Identity Management Project (PRODIGY), the strategy marks a formal recognition of the acute risks accompanying the country’s rapid digitalization. Supervising Minister Mahefa Andriamampiadana framed the initiative as an essential safeguard, stating that unchecked digital advancement without security is akin to “a car without brakes.”
The strategy’s development process, launched at a multi-stakeholder workshop, will be grounded in sector-specific risk analyses. Officials acknowledge that threat landscapes differ significantly between government entities, private corporations, and critical sectors like banking and education, necessitating a tailored yet unified approach.
Pillars of the Plan: Awareness, Investment, and Talent
The proposed strategy rests on three core pillars identified by Malagasy authorities:
1. Cultivating a Cybersecurity Culture
A nationwide awareness campaign is planned to address what officials describe as a “very weak” cybersecurity culture, both technically and behaviorally. This includes educating the public and organizations on fundamental digital hygiene, such as secure password management and phishing recognition.
2. Securing Critical Digital Infrastructure
The plan calls for increased investment in the digital ecosystems of organizations of vital importance (OVIs), such as banks and state institutions. The government emphasizes that basic measures like antivirus software are now insufficient against sophisticated attacks, requiring more robust, systemic protections.
3. Developing a Homegrown Cyber Workforce
A critical component is addressing the severe skills shortage by training a new generation of Malagasy cybersecurity specialists. This talent development is seen as vital for long-term sovereignty and effective incident response.
Broad Scope and Ambitious Timeline
Eric Rakotomaniraka, head of Madagascar’s Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT), outlined a broad thematic scope for the strategy, encompassing child protection online, addressing gender-based digital violence, legal frameworks, and international cooperation for cross-border cyber investigations.
Authorities have committed to drafting the strategy within an ambitious three-month timeframe. Following this, a donor conference will be organized to secure funding for implementation, positioning the strategy as a “shared vision for Madagascar’s digital sovereignty.”
Legal Modernization and Regional Context
The push for a new strategy coincides with calls to update the country’s foundational cybersecurity law, adopted in 2014. As noted by MP Clarisse Manjary, Chair of the Digital Development Commission, the existing legislation is outdated in the face of rapid technological evolution, highlighting the need for parallel legal and policy modernization.
Analysts view Madagascar’s initiative as part of a broader trend across developing nations seeking to harness digital economic benefits while mitigating associated risks. The success of this multi-sectoral, inclusive approach could serve as a model for similar countries in the region grappling with digital transformation amid limited resources and high threat exposure.
This report is based on information from the primary source article “Cybersecurity: Towards the Implementation of a National Strategy” published by Midi Madagasikara.