7 Cybersecurity Leaders Defending Africa’s Digital Future

As Africa’s digital economy grows, so do cyber threats. With the cybersecurity market set to reach $2.29 billion in 2025 (according to recent insights from Statista), leaders across the continent are driving innovation and resilience.

These leaders have been extracted from the recent Africa Tech Festival report, 100 of the Most Influential African Leaders in Technology & Telecommunications 2024.

From securing telecom giants to shaping policy and advocacy, these seven experts are at the forefront of protecting Africa’s digital landscape.

Kerissa Varma

Chief Security Advisor EMEA, Microsoft

Kerissa Varma is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with extensive experience building and scaling security capabilities across various industries, including healthcare, telecommunications, transport, government, and financial services. She has held multinational Group Chief Information Security Officer roles, notably leading cybersecurity across 17 countries for Old Mutual and safeguarding over 200 million customers daily across Africa at Vodacom. A passionate advocate for technology and security,

Kerissa actively volunteers to enhance cybersecurity skills globally, with a focus on Africa. She founded and serves as President of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Southern Africa, aiming to bridge the gender divide in the region's cybersecurity sector. Additionally, she chairs the Cybersecurity Digital Alliance, a cross-sector collaboration promoting institutional improvements in South Africa's cybersecurity landscape.

Justin Williams

Executive: Group CISO, MTN

Justin Williams, Group Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at MTN, has over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity. For the past eight years, he has led MTN’s Group Security function, driving advancements in security protocols and transforming its security landscape.

Previously, Justin was an executive director at Ernst & Young (EY), specializing in IT and cybersecurity, and led information security at Transnet, where he established and implemented its security strategy. A CA (SA) and MBA holder, he is also CISSP, CRISC, and CGEIT certified.

Recognized globally, he earned the Thomas H. Fitzgerald Award for the top CISA exam score in 2014 and has been named among the Global Top 100 Leaders in Information Security.

Daniel Adaramola

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), SunTrust Bank Nigeria

Daniel Adaramola is the Chief Information Security Officer, CISO at SunTrust Bank Nigeria. He is responsible for strategy formulation, strategy execution, and providing thought leadership & direction for the Bank’s Information Security group.

Prior to joining SunTrust Bank, Daniel worked has worked in several companies, including Unity Bank Plc, Heritage Bank and eTranzact where heas responsible for information security leadership across five countries including United Kingdom.

Notable is his over 20 years’ experience on the job, and his key Industry Influencer roles serving as a two-time EXCO member of the Committee of Chief Information Security Officers of Nigerian Financial Institutions. Daniel Adaramola is an Alumni of City University London where he studied for his Masters in Business Systems Analysis and Design.

Lungile Binza

Chief Digital Officer, SABC

Lungile Binza, Chief Digital Officer at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), is a seasoned IT professional with extensive experience in digital transformation and technology leadership. With over two decades of expertise, he has held prominent roles, including CIO of FNB Contact Centre and CIO at SA Mint Company, where he drove IT strategy, governance, and innovation.

Currently leading SABC's digital initiatives, Lungile oversees technology and digital transformation to position the broadcaster at the forefront of the digital age. He holds a Master of Commerce in Information Systems from the University of Cape Town and is skilled in software development, data governance, IT strategy, and project management. Lungile's career is marked by his ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies to deliver impactful results.

Ayanda Peta

CISO, African Rainbow Minerals Ltd

Ayanda Peta has extensive experience and deep expertise in cybersecurity and cloud computing, with a track record of equanimous leadership and a commitment to advancing secure technology practices. As the Group Head of Cybersecurity for ARM, he drives the strategic direction of the organisation’s cybersecurity function. He established the group cybersecurity strategy and oversees the execution of the cybersecurity program across cloud, information technology (IT), operational technology (OT), and artificial intelligence (AI).

A recognised thought leader, Ayanda regularly contributes to industry conversations through keynotes, panel discussions, roundtables, and webinars, sharing insights on emerging trends and best practices in cybersecurity and cloud computing.

Tony Anscombe

Chief Security Evangelist, ESET

Tony Anscombe is the Chief Security Evangelist for ESET, bringing over 25 years of expertise in the security industry. A prominent author, blogger, and speaker, he covers topics such as the threat landscape, security technologies, data protection, and Internet safety. Tony has spoken at major conferences including RSA, Black Hat, VB, and Gartner Risk and Security Summit, and is frequently quoted in leading media outlets like BBC, the New York Times, and USA Today, with appearances on Bloomberg and CBS.

Previously, he served on the boards of the NCA, FOSI, and MEF, further solidifying his influence in cybersecurity and digital trust.

Dr. Harrison Nnaji

CISO, First Bank Nigeria

Dr. Harrison Nnaji, Group CISO for FirstBank and its subsidiaries, is a seasoned cybersecurity and information security strategist with over 17 years of experience in designing and optimizing enterprise-grade cyber and IT operations. He holds a B.Eng in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, four master’s degrees—two specializing in cyber, cloud, and information security—a Ph.D. in Management and Organizational Strategy, and is completing a second Ph.D. in Offensive Cyber Engineering.

Currently advancing his expertise in Data Sciences and AI at OPIT, Dr. Nnaji is a global speaker, award-winning industry influencer, mentor, and advocate for robust cybersecurity practices.

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover all of the innovators and changemakers featured in our second edition of the Top African Leaders in Technology and Telecommunications report.

Download the full report now and explore how these visionaries are transforming industries across the continent.