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KnowBe4 Predicts Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advances will Shape Evolving Landscape of Cyber Threats and Defences

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KnowBe4

KnowBe4 Releases Cybersecurity Predictions for 2025

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, December 10, 2024/APO Group/ — 

KnowBe4 (www.KnowBe4.com), the world-renowned cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, announced its 2025 cybersecurity predictions from its team of global industry experts.

In 2024, the world witnessed cyber threats evolve faster than before primarily due to the rise in the number of and popularity of AI tools. These tools assist cybercriminals in refining and making attack tactics more sophisticated and more difficult to recognise, while it helps cybersecurity professionals defend against attacks more effectively.

  1. AI-enabled tools for cyber defence and attacks will continue to improve

As AI technology advances, both defenders and attackers are taking advantage of its capabilities. On the cybersecurity side, sophisticated AI-powered tools that detect and respond to threats more efficiently are being developed. Capabilities like AI being able to analyse big amounts of data, identify anomalies, and enhance the accuracy of threat detection will be of massive assistance to cybersecurity teams going forward.

However, cybercriminals are also adopting AI to create more advanced attack methods. For instance, AI-powered social engineering campaigns that manipulate emotions and target specific vulnerabilities more effectively will make it difficult for individuals to distinguish between real and fake content. As AI capabilities evolve on both sides, the standoff between defenders and attackers intensifies, making constant innovation and adaptation crucial.

  1. Ransomware attacks will remain a problem

Ransomware attacks will continue to be a massive threat due to the collaboration between ransomware gangs and initial access brokers. In a measure to combat this, AI will become a popular tool to monitor networks and individual devices for anomalies like unusual encryption processes. This will greatly reduce the impact of attempted ransomware attacks.

As we enter 2025, we must embrace the potential of AI to enhance our defences and protect organisations globally

  1. The human factor in cybersecurity will become more of a focus

Organisations will continue to recognize the importance of frequent security awareness training and simulated phishing tests to manage the inherent human risk that exists within it. At the same time, cybercriminals will keep refining their social engineering techniques, making attacks more personalised and effective.

Going forward, the challenge will lie in maintaining employee vigilance without causing phishing fatigue. To prevent this, it is important for organisations to focus  on making training more adaptive and relevant to employees in order to create better protections and engagement for a positive security culture.

  1. The improvement of deepfake detection technologies

2025 will see deepfake AI detection technologies improve, become more accessible, and more effectively address the growing concern of identifying deepfakes. On the other hand, cybercriminals are also expected to leverage disinformation and deepfakes in their attacks, using them to accelerate extortion, hide other attacks, or damage organisational reputations.

  1. The adoption of a zero-trust mindset and cyber-mindfulness

There will be a wider adoption of a zero-trust mindset and cyber-mindfulness, representing a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Organisations embracing these principles encourage a vigilant attitude among their employees, treating every user and device as a potential threat. Training employees to maintain a healthy level of scepticism encourages them to apply critical thinking skills, and this mindset shift will be another crucial step in mitigating internal risks.

  1. Exploitation and the the overlap of cybersecurity and human trafficking in Africa

The region has experienced an increase of cybercriminals targeting its youth with false job opportunities which many times results in human trafficking. The worry is that the overlap of cybercrime and human trafficking will continue to escalate in 2025.

Targeted attacks like romance and job scams will increase as cybercriminals become more adept at exploiting economic hardships and limited digital literacy.

“The cybersecurity landscape is rapidly evolving, and the dynamic between defenders and attackers has never been more complex,” said Stu Sjouwerman, CEO, KnowBe4. “As we enter 2025, we must embrace the potential of AI to enhance our defences and protect organisations globally. At KnowBe4, we are dedicated to staying at the forefront of this evolution, providing human risk management tools and tactics to protect organisations against sophisticated threats. It is a continuous journey of innovation and adaptation.”

It is more important than ever to focus on the human element in organisations to lower the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime. One of the best forms of defence remains cultivating a robust security culture.

The predicted trends were collected from KnowBe4’s global team of security awareness advocates who are experts with decades of experience in the cybersecurity field. For more information on KnowBe4’s team of experts, visit https://apo-opa.co/3ZKajxh.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

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Afreximbank Backs DOTT Services Limited, Uganda with a US$28 Million Facility for Regional Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Projects

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The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains

CAIRO, Egypt, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has activated and approved a US$28 million dual-tranche facility for DOTT Services Limited, the leading Uganda-based engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, and has begun disbursing funds to support the execution of its EPC projects pipeline, valued at more than US$550 million.

 




 
 

Provided under Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, the facility is designed to strengthen the capacity of African EPC champions to secure and execute large-scale infrastructure projects across the continent. Specifically, the financing will support DOTT Services Limited in executing contracts and pursuing near-term opportunities valued at approximately US$550 million across Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Humphrey Nwugo, Director of Regional Operations at Afreximbank’s Eastern Africa office, said:

Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking

“This facility reflects Afreximbank’s commitment to building strong African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins Africa’s industrialisation, trade and economic integration. By supporting DOTT Services Ltd, a well-established regional contractor with operations across five African countries, we are addressing a critical financing gap that has historically constrained the ability of African firms to participate meaningfully in large-scale, cross-border infrastructure projects.

The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains. It also advances Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to increase African participation in the development and delivery of Africa’s infrastructure.

Through partnerships such as this, we are ensuring that greater value, expertise, employment opportunities and economic benefits are retained within Africa while fostering the emergence of globally competitive African contractors.”

Mr. Nwugo further noted that most local commercial banks lacked the capacity to support intra-African and regional projects because they were poorly placed to absorb the associated cross-border risks, while international banks tended to prioritise non-African contractors. As a result, African entities were often left without adequate financial support.

He said: “Afreximbank’s EPC Initiative was therefore designed to address this challenge by supporting African EPC contractors in securing and executing a greater share of infrastructure contracts across the continent. Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking, as well as issuing letters of support, among others”, he explained.

DOTT Services Limited presence in Africa spans 28-years, with operations in Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). It also has European offices in Italy and the UK, and a workforce of over 6,000 people. The company procures from, and distributes to, African countries goods such as bitumen, asphalt, steel and spare parts, as well as yellow goods equipment and services, making it a significant player in intra-African trade. Its track record of promoting trade-supporting infrastructure across the continent makes it a natural partner for Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to build African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins intra-African trade.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 

 




 

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Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) invests in Africa’s leadership potential through EDGE

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Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –Thirty-one leaders from across 12 African countries have graduated from Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s (CCBA) (https://www.CCBAgroup.com) EDGE Senior Leadership Acceleration Programme, marking the completion of the programme’s second generation and the first pan-African EDGE cohort.

 




 
 

Created by CCBA, EDGE is the company’s flagship senior leadership development programme. Building on previous participation from The Coca-Cola Company, the programme was further expanded in 2026 to include leaders from Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, creating a broader pan-African learning experience across the Coca-Cola system.

Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business.

The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system

The graduating cohort represented leaders from multiple countries and business functions. Through classroom learning, business projects, mentoring and coaching, participants gained practical experience in addressing real business opportunities and challenges.

With CCBA serving more than 840,000 customers across Africa, the company requires leaders who can navigate complexity and create value in diverse markets. EDGE helps build these capabilities through practical, business-focused learning.

“People are at the heart of everything we do, and programmes like EDGE demonstrate our commitment to investing in their growth and future success,” said Natasa Prodanovic, Chief People and Culture Officer at CCBA.

“The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system. By learning alongside colleagues from The Coca-Cola Company, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, participants were able to build meaningful connections, share diverse perspectives and strengthen collaboration across our markets.”

The curriculum focused on strategy, value creation, transformation, commercial decision-making, leading self and leading teams. Participants also presented business projects aligned to organisational priorities as part of the programme’s graduation requirements.

EDGE forms part of CCBA’s broader commitment to developing future leaders and building the capabilities needed to drive sustainable growth and impact across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

 

 




 

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Africa and Caribbean trade potential could reach $1.65 billion annually by 2030: International Trade Centre (ITC)-Afreximbank report

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The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda, November 3, 2026/APO Group/ –Annual trade in goods and services between Africa and the Caribbean could reach up to $1.65 billion by 2030, excluding mineral fuels, according to a new report launched today by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.

 




  

The report, Reshaping Africa-Caribbean Trade: Opportunities for Economic Transformation, (https://apo-opa.co/4eiz62u) finds that while Africa and the Caribbean share deep historical and cultural links, trade between the two regions continues to represent only a small share of each region’s overall trade, despite complementarities across sectors ranging from agribusiness and manufacturing to services and the creative economy.

A look at the numbers

The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped, with are significant opportunities for export growth if trade and investment is actively promoted and facilitated.

Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity

Caribbean export potential lies in the services sector, reaching $481 million. The report identifies business opportunities across several priority sectors, including processed food and animal feed, chemicals, minerals and metals, apparel and textiles, leather and footwear, tourism, transport services and creative industries.

These findings – and more – are based on trade and export potential analysis, detailed sector assessments and a survey of 1,175 businesses and business support organizations across Africa and the Caribbean.

Tapping into priority sectors

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton (https://apo-opa.co/3WHHZMU), in launching the report, said: ‘At a time of major shifts in global trade, countries need to strengthen regional ties and invest in value addition, to build resilience. We know the major trade opportunities between Africa and the Caribbean – and now we can focus on helping businesses take advantage of those opportunities through better market intelligence, improved logistics and greater access to finance.’

Commenting on the report, Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President at Afreximbank, said: ‘Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity. With our CARICOM office in Barbados, about $1 billion in approved transactions and a $5 billion regional financing commitment, Afreximbank is advancing this vision through financing, deposit mobilization under CENDEP, business links through the annual Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum, local-currency payments through CAPSS and creative-industry collaboration through CANEX. This report offers a practical roadmap to turn untapped potential into bankable opportunities across agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism and the creative economy. Through targeted financing, stronger transport and logistics links and strategic partnerships, we can build a Global Africa connected by heritage, trade, investment and shared opportunity.’

The report finds that businesses continue to face significant challenges, including high transport costs, limited direct shipping links, regulatory barriers, limited access to finance and difficulties in identifying trusted commercial partners. It highlights that future economic cooperation should extend beyond traditional trade in goods, including through joint investment ventures, digital services, creative industries and tourism. It also calls for targeted action to improve market intelligence and business matchmaking; expand access to trade finance and payment solutions; strengthen transport and logistics connectivity; support sector-specific value chain development; improve regulatory cooperation and market access; and foster stronger partnerships among business support organizations.

Read the full report HERE (https://apo-opa.co/4exHBH9)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 




 

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