1. Although NIS2 applies specifically to the EU and its member states, it affects multinational companies, global suppliers, and regulatory convergence. A similar EU directive, the GDPR, expanded beyond the EU and now applies to global data processors. Could the same thing happen with NIS2? Is NIS2 considered when implementing cybersecurity in Africa?

Although the NIS2 Directive (Network and Information Security Directive 2) is legally binding only within the European Union, it is already shaping global cybersecurity practices in much the same way as the GDPR. Due to its extraterritorial scope, African companies providing services to the EU may be required to comply with its rigorous standards, including risk management, incident reporting, and supply chain security. NIS2 is also driving regulatory convergence, influencing African cybersecurity legislation and frameworks, particularly in countries that have trade and digital cooperation agreements with the EU.

The directive’s emphasis on vendor risk management compels African businesses, particularly those in critical sectors such as ICT, energy, transport, and logistics, to strengthen their cybersecurity posture or risk losing EU business. Furthermore, EU-funded programs, such as Cyber4Dev and Digital4Development, are building cybersecurity capacity in Africa through NIS2-aligned initiatives. Aligning with NIS2 offers African governments strategic benefits, including enhanced digital trust, cross-border trade opportunities, and increased attractiveness to EU investors.

2. In order for a cybersecurity framework to be considered a global best practice, it must possess several key characteristics that ensure its applicability, effectiveness, and adoption across different industries and regions. Could the NIS2 Directive be considered a global good practice? Is it applicable to Africa?

Despite being legally binding only within the EU, the NIS2 Directive is emerging as a global benchmark for cybersecurity best practices with strong potential applicability in Africa.

Its risk-based, sector-specific, and internationally harmonized approach makes it highly adaptable to African contexts, particularly in critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, and energy. The directive promotes key principles such as incident reporting, third-party risk management, governance accountability, and cross-border cooperation. These principles align well with Africa’s cybersecurity development goals and regional initiatives, such as those under the AU, EAC, and ECOWAS.

Although challenges such as limited resources, enforcement capacity, and the digital divide may hinder full adoption, NIS2 provides a robust framework for phased adaptation. NIS2 offers African countries a valuable policy model for legal reform, public-private collaboration, and capacity building. This makes NIS2 a practical and strategic foundation for strengthening cybersecurity resilience across the continent.