Redefining security investments in the age of technology

The African security technology market is currently valued at hundreds of millions of USD, with countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya taking the lead in adoption. CNBC Africa recently interviewed Jackson Mbuthia, the Group Chief Commercial Officer at SGA Security, to discuss the driving forces behind this increasing demand and the future of technology-driven protection on the continent. According to Mbuthia, one of the key factors fueling the growth of the security technology market in Africa is rapid urbanization. As more people move towards smart city environments, there is a rising need to enhance both physical and cyber security measures to keep pace with evolving city landscapes. This shift has led to a significant investment in technology security, particularly in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cyber security. Mbuthia emphasized the importance of leveraging AI and IoT to address Africa's unique urban security challenges effectively. He highlighted the increasing investment in security technology across the East African region, particularly in countries like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Additionally, established players like South Africa and Nigeria continue to drive significant investments in this sector. The integration of security technology not only enhances urban safety but also plays a vital role in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and improving the ease of doing business in African cities. Mbuthia stressed that embracing technology-driven security solutions is crucial for building investor confidence and meeting sector-specific requirements. With a focus on AI-driven surveillance and the convergence of AI and IoT, the security tech sector is witnessing a surge in capital and interest. The combination of IoT connectivity and AI processing enables real-time threat detection, automated response mechanisms, and predictive analytics, making security systems more efficient and effective. In terms of investment, both government and private players are crucial in driving the growth of the security technology market. Mbuthia suggested a collaborative approach through public-private partnerships to share costs and establish an enabling policy and regulatory framework for technology adoption. Building capacity and bridging skills gaps in AI and IoT technology are also essential for successful implementation across African markets. At SGA Security, Mbuthia shared that the company has fully embraced AI and IoT in product development. Their offerings include surveillance solutions, access control systems, and fleet management platforms that leverage AI capabilities to provide proactive security measures. By staying ahead of the curve and focusing on delivering value-added solutions to customers, SGA Security aims to meet the evolving security needs of the African market.