Former UK Security Minister visits AI-driven VIA’s cybersecurity hub

A former UK Security Minister and globally respected voice in cybersecurity, Rt. Hon. Stephen McPartland, has paid a high-profile visit to Virtual InfoSec Africa (VIA), a leading cybersecurity firm headquartered in Ghana.

The visit marks a significant milestone in Ghana and Africa’s growing efforts to strengthen cyber resilience and protect businesses from evolving digital threats.

Hosted at VIA’s state-of-the-art AI-driven Security and Digital Forensics Centre, the visit showcased the company’s pioneering work in combating cybercrime, enabling effective incident response, and helping African businesses comply with global data protection standards.

“We were honoured to host Rt. Hon. McPartland, a global voice in cybersecurity, at our AI-driven Security and Digital Forensics Centre in Africa,” said Emmanuel Sekyere Asiedu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VIA.
“His visit underscores the growing recognition of Virtual InfoSec Africa’s mission to combat cybercrime and advance cybersecurity excellence across the continent.”

Cyber Threats in Africa

Africa’s digital transformation has accelerated in recent years, with businesses increasingly relying on cloud services, mobile platforms, and digital payments.
However, this growth has also exposed vulnerabilities. According to the African Union, cybercrime costs African economies an estimated $4 billion annually, with Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa among the hardest hit.

Cybersecurity experts warn that many African businesses remain underprepared for sophisticated attacks such as ransomware, phishing, and data breaches.

VIA has positioned itself as a key player in addressing these challenges through its AI-powered threat detection, digital forensics, and compliance solutions tailored to both local and international standards.

The Ghanaian firm made history in 2023 by launching Africa’s first Financial Industry Command Security Operations Centre (FICSOC) for the Bank of Ghana (BoG), a major step in strengthening the nation’s cyber intelligence and defence systems.

In September 2025, VIA partnered with global cybersecurity company LogRhythm (now Exabeam) to launch the continent’s first subscription-based Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) service. The initiative allows businesses, government agencies, and utilities to secure their digital infrastructure without the prohibitive costs of building such systems independently.

Strategic Collaboration and Outlook

During the visit, Rt. Hon. McPartland toured VIA’s facilities and engaged in strategic discussions with the company’s leadership on potential collaborations to enhance cybersecurity frameworks across Africa.

“We are grateful for the insightful discussions and look forward to future collaborations that advance cybersecurity excellence in Africa and beyond,” Mr. Asiedu added.

The visit comes as Ghana intensifies efforts to secure its digital infrastructure. Government initiatives are promoting cybersecurity awareness, while private sector players continue to invest in advanced security technologies.

VIA’s engagement with global cybersecurity leaders such as Mr. McPartland signals growing international interest in Africa’s digital security landscape and highlights the continent’s potential to lead in AI-driven cybersecurity innovation.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.