In a groundbreaking development, Kaspersky has announced the opening of its first Transparency Center in the African region, situated in Kigali, Rwanda.

The new center, located in Cogebanque headquarters, unveiled at the opening of the Africa Cyber Defense Forum on 15th November 2023, is a testament to Kaspersky’s commitment to promoting transparency and reliability in the cybersecurity sector. As digitalization in Africa continues to grow, the new Transparency Center aims to empower partners, customers, and regulators responsible for cybersecurity.

In an exclusive interview With IGIHE, Dr. Mohamad Amin Hasbini, the Head of the Global Researcher and Analysis Team META at Kaspersky emphasized its significance.

“This center is specifically designated for sensitive entities, primarily law enforcement and national security organizations. The center serves as a platform for scrutinizing technology vendors entering the domain of cybersecurity, ensuring that their code delivers on its promises, safeguarding intellectual property, and maintaining secure digital access,” he said.

When asked about the choice of Kigali, Rwanda for deploying the center, Dr. Hasbini disclosed that this decision had been anticipated for a considerable period.

“The rationale behind selecting Kigali was grounded in technological advancements, legal developments in cyber safety for users, and the promising business potential.

Furthermore, Rwanda’s reputation as a legal hub for African countries and entities played a crucial role in this strategic decision. Joining forces in Rwanda was deemed advantageous due to its independent environment, fostering an atmosphere conducive to business growth,” he said.

The Kigali Transparency Center operates under the "blue piste" review option, allowing visitors to gain insights into Kaspersky’s engineering and data processing practices.

This includes a live demonstration of the source code for products and services, providing a comprehensive overview. The center serves as a hub for knowledge exchange, enabling stakeholders to ask questions, enhance their skills in assessing ICT product security, and participate in Kaspersky’s Cyber Capacity Building Program.

The significance of this initiative is underscored by the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL), which recognizes the need for effective frameworks to mitigate security risks arising from technology use. The new Transparency Center not only contributes to the ongoing fight against cybercrime but also aligns with regional digital transformation goals outlined in the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy.

Genie Sugene Gan, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa regions at Kaspersky, highlighted the pivotal role of the Transparency Center in addressing the growing emphasis on cybersecurity in the African agenda.

By bridging the gap in cyber-capacity building, Kaspersky aims to bring essential capabilities and best cybersecurity practices to the region.

Dr. Mohamad Amin Hasbini, the Head of the Global Researcher and Analysis Team META at Kaspersky emphasized the significance of the center.

Genie Sugene Gan, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa regions at Kaspersky.