WINDHOEK: Information and Communication Technology Deputy Minister Modestus Amutse commended the United Nations (UN) for striving to put in place a Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes as an international legal instrument on cybercrime.

Amutse in a speech at the 2024 China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum in Xiamen City, on Tuesday, said cybercrimes know no border and the alarming rates should be a global concern as these crimes disrupt business operations and cause reputational damage.

‘Therefore our preparedness and proactive responsiveness are imperative. We should have responsive and harmonized laws to prosecute perpetrators,’ he said.

He said the danger posed by cybercrime is a collective issue faced by all nations, therefore, collaborative efforts are required as displayed at the sub-forums. The event featured four sub-forums to share development opportunities in the digital economy, expanding online media cooperation b
etween China and Africa, strengthening online security, and the development and governance of artificial intelligence.

Amutse further said ‘The fight against cybercrimes requires collaborative efforts at national, regional and international levels and our presence here today signifies the importance we should attach to working together and cements our commitment towards building cyber resilience nations.

He noted that there is also a need to create awareness programmes to enhance the internet user emphasizing that it is equally as important as having laws, structures and infrastructures in place.

The 2024 China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation forum which commenced on Tuesday ends on Wednesday.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency