Microsoft's ARC Initiative Targets Cybersecurity Strengthening in Kenya

On May 14, 2025, Microsoft launched the Advancing Regional Cybersecurity (ARC) Initiative in partnership with Kenya’s National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee (NC4) at the Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B) in Geneva. This initiative aims to bolster Kenya’s digital defenses amid escalating cyber threats.

ARC focuses on three key areas: enhancing cybersecurity skills through training programs, fostering innovation via open frameworks, and improving resilience against digital threats. The program builds upon the commitments of the Accra Call, signed in 2023, which recognized the need for strengthened cybersecurity in the Global South.

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Recent cyber incidents in Africa, including data breaches and ransomware attacks, underscore the urgency of such initiatives. In December 2024, a regional enterprise authority experienced a data breach, and a state-owned telecom company suffered a ransomware attack, both compromising sensitive information.

Microsoft’s ARC Initiative represents a strategic move to address these challenges by collaborating with local stakeholders, including the Kenyan government, businesses, and educational institutions. The goal is to create a secure digital environment that supports innovation and protects users’ interests.