Ghana seeks to secure transactions on the Internet first and only then start a discussion on Bitcoin adoption.
As a lack of training on cryptography is still a major issue in parts of Africa, Ghana’s Chapter of the Internet Society has trained some of its members. It hopes to create awareness around this tool making communication more secure on the Internet.
Securing transactions on the Internet
The course is the first of its kind in Ghana and possibly in the West African region comprising over 300 million people. Its co-ordinator Marcus Adomey says the formal group training is long overdue.
Topics discussed include classical and modern cryptography, basic algorithms for symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, cryptographic key management, and core cryptographic tools such as digital signature, digital certificate, and secure socket layer.
Eric Akumiah, Director of Operations at Ghana’s National Information Technology Agency, points out the importance of securing transactions on the Internet using cryptography at the training.
He says:
“Cryptography ensures confidentiality, authentication integrity and non-repudiation of transactions on the Internet.”
Cryptocurrency adoption in Nigeria
The participants were introduced to cryptography and its applications covering topics such as basic algorithms for symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, key management, and core cryptographic tools such as Digital Signature, Digital Certificate, and Secure Socket Layer. However, a non-governmental organization in Nigeria says not much is happening in terms of awareness creation in Africa’s largest economy.
Adeolu Fadele, cybersecurity professional and Founder of the Cryptography Development Initiative in Nigeria, explains to Cointelegraph:
“Unlike Ghana, people are currently talking about cyber security awareness in Nigeria and yet to join the rest of the world in discussing crypto-related issues such as the cryptocurrencies. This is part of the gap that CDIN plans to address using several platforms to bring together stakeholders in Nigeria to work on a common interest by addressing gaps in cryptography related developments.”
Abuja Cryptography Enthusiasts
According to its objectives, lack of awareness and identified stakeholders collaboration are the two major gaps the group wants to focus on. Identified stakeholders in Nigeria include institutions in the education, defense, economy and technology sectors.
The group’s platform initiatives include weekly meetups, producing monthly podcasts, organizing maths week and an annual conference, among others.
Fadele says:
“We have already started a meetup called Abuja Cryptography Enthusiasts using meetup.com and we use other secure IMs such as Telegram and Signal to share and practicalize our ideology.”