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Cyber defence a critical component of an environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, says Kaspersky

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3 years ago

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Kaspersky

Investment in ESG assets is set to grow to $50 trillion by 2025

LAGOS, Nigeria, September 22, 2022/APO Group/ — 

As cyberattacks on pipelines, water pumping stations and manufacturing plants hit the news, customers and investors grow more aware of the need for organisations to take responsibility for the protection of their potential cyber vulnerabilities. Cybercrime can have a significant impact on businesses, and cybersecurity is central to environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis of a company’s sustainability.

Investment in ESG assets is set (https://bloom.bg/3f9L7vt) to grow to $50 trillion by 2025. With ESG forming a key component of financial reporting in South Africa, and with many businesses in the region on the journey to adapt to international reporting requirements and standards, organisations across the continent are looking for ways to strengthen their portfolios in this regard.

Protection against cyber threats is necessary not only for business continuity, but also for the preservation of the environment and human health. ESG programmes should therefore include aspects of cyber security in order to minimise the risk of the impact of a cyberattack on employees, the ecosystem and society as a whole.

“This is particularly relevant to critical infrastructure, where organisations tend to experience significantly more severe outcomes from operational technology security issues than others,” says Bethwel Opil, Enterprise Client Lead at Kaspersky in Africa.

Kaspersky research (https://bit.ly/3LzWA3B) has found that over the course of 2021, there was a 45% increase in the incidence of spyware on computers used for industrial control system purposes when compared to the previous year. A cyberattack on a safety-critical power station or oil and gas installation, for example, has the capacity to have knock-on impacts that touch all components of ESG.

ESG programmes should therefore include aspects of cyber security in order to minimise the risk of the impact of a cyberattack on employees, the ecosystem and society as a whole

Furthermore, Kaspersky has found that approximately a third (30%) of companies globally experience significant operational technology security issues. They see four times as many incidents and suffer financial costs that are twice as large. These companies are also more likely to see these cyber risks manifest in terms of physical risk, such as injury or death (5 times more likely) and environmental damage (2.5 times more likely).

“Cybersecurity takes on a new level of importance for local organisations. It is not only about being protected against attacks that can threaten business continuity and damage corporate reputation, and from a business governance point of view, but there is a very real threat against human life and the environment – especially when industrial control system hardware that controls critical infrastructure is attacked,” says Maria Losyukova, Head of Sustainability at Kaspersky. “As a part of an organisation’s ESG, it will be the cybersecurity team leader’s responsibility to document current practices and to address issues of concern with solid and quantifiable security solutions. The days of enterprises simply declaring ‘We have cybersecurity insurance’ are over.”

Each year it becomes more challenging to secure and protect infrastructure and data assets at an enterprise level. Staff in security operations centres can get overwhelmed with alerts coming from different cybersecurity components. XDR (extended detection and response) products have emerged as a class of automated information security solutions designed to proactively detect threats at various infrastructure levels, respond to them, and counter complex threats. XDR comprises a wide range of tools that security specialists can integrate with available security programs and applications to perform data monitoring on endpoints, the network, the cloud, and mail servers. It also adds analytical and automation functions for the detection and elimination of current and potential threats.

Opil further comments: “The implementation of an XDR solution provides the organisation with a complete view of their infrastructure – and building an XDR solution with Kaspersky means customers can resist attacks on all their assets, manage products from different vendors from a single console, respond more quickly to incidents, and reduce downtime, all contributing to adhering to ESG standards.”

However, the effectiveness of even the most advanced cybersecurity solutions is diminished if organisations do not practice employee trainings.

“Staff must be trained on the changing threat landscape using more than traditional methods,” adds Opil. “To this end, Kaspersky launched its Automated Security Awareness Platform (KASAP) (https://ASAP.Kaspersky.com). This is an easy-to-manage online tool which builds employee’s cybersecurity skills level by level. It provides organisations across industry sectors with a reusable online tool on which to launch and run their internal cybersecurity awareness programmes,” concludes Opil.

Cybersecurity is fast becoming more than just a security issue, with its environmental, social, and governance impacts moving to the forefront. Long-term business resilience requires profitable business vitality along with a healthy society and environment. Investing in cybersecurity today will not only help an organisation avoid a breach or an insurance claim, but also boost trust, reduce risk, and contribute to overall economic growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

By

Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Business

Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

By

CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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Business

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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2 days ago

on

February 6, 2026

By

ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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