By Chinenye Marylyn AKINOLA
Effective IT governance is no longer optional, it is essential. As organizations in Africa and across the globe strive to modernize operations, enhance security, and maintain regulatory compliance, a strong IT governance framework forms the backbone of sustainable success.
Grasping frameworks for IT governance: COBIT & ISO 27001
The two most commonly embraced frameworks for IT governance are COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies) and ISO/IEC 27001. Developed by ISACA, COBIT offers an extensive structure for overseeing and regulating corporate IT operations.
This enables companies to synchronize their IT strategies with business objectives, oversee performance, reduce risks, and streamline resource utilization (ISACA, 2019). Additionally, COBIT proves valuable in establishing distinct roles and accountabilities for IT procedures.
ISO 27001, conversely, represents an internationally acknowledged benchmark for overseeing information security. This framework offers a structured methodology to recognize, handle, and mitigate information security risks via the establishment of an Information Security Management System (ISMS) (ISO, 2022).
This is especially relevant for African businesses operating in sectors such as finance, health, and telecommunications, where data security and privacy are mission-critical.
Together, COBIT and ISO 27001 offer complementary approaches. COBIT focuses on overall IT governance, while ISO 27001 hones in on data protection and information security.
Developing strong IT risk management procedures
To fully benefit from IT governance, organizations must develop strong IT risk management practices. This includes:
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Conducting regular risk assessments:
Recognizing and ranking IT risks according to their effect on business operations. -
Developing a risk register:
Keeping detailed documentation of recognized risks, measures taken to reduce them, and the individuals accountable for these actions. -
Implementing control measures:
Applying technical, administrative, and physical controls to mitigate risks in alignment with frameworks like COBIT and ISO 27001. -
Continuous monitoring:
Leveraging automation and analytics to monitor key risk indicators and maintain an up-to-date risk profile.
In Africa, where digital infrastructure is gradually evolving, businesses must tailor these practices to local realities, such as inconsistent internet access, shortage of power supply, regulatory ambiguity, and cybersecurity skill gaps.
However, with strategic investments and training, organizations can turn these challenges into opportunities for innovation.
Case studies: Organizations leading in IT governance
When assessing various IT governance frameworks employed throughout Africa, several notable organizations have come under scrutiny;
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Ghana –
The Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS), which serves as the country’s primary payment switch, achieved ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation aimed at fortifying its technological framework and enhancing information security management. This achievement has played a vital role in developing risk-oriented safety measures, maintaining organized review processes, and ensuring robust systems capable of withstanding various threats (as reported officially by GhIPSS and confirmed by ISO.org news). -
South Africa –
One of Africa’s leading telecom giants, MTN Group, which is based in South Africa, has adopted ISO 27001 standards for all its data centers to safeguard customer and corporate information effectively. By following an organized IT management strategy grounded in COBIT guidelines, they have enhanced their operational durability and adherence to regulations in various regions (MTN Annual Report, 2023). -
Kenya –
Kenya’s leading company in digital risk management, Safaricom, utilizes IT governance frameworks to handle the risks linked with M-PESA, their mobile money service. Through the incorporation of COBIT methodologies and adherence to ISO 27001 guidelines, Safaricom safeguards user data and meets regulatory requirements as it processes millions of financial transactions each day (Safaricom Sustainability Report, 2022). -
Nigeria –
The Nigerian Central Bank (CBN) acknowledged the necessity of tackling IT governance issues and decided to implement the COBIT framework to upgrade its IT procedures. This effort started with an extensive evaluation across various divisions aimed at pinpointing problem areas such as clear roles, performance tracking, and stakeholder involvement, all while harmonizing IT plans with overall business goals. Through the incorporation of COBIT, the CBN enhanced its ability to align IT strategies with business needs, improve risk management practices, and boost operational effectiveness.
This example highlights the crucial need to synchronize IT projects with company objectives and obtain support from stakeholders to ensure the effective adoption of new frameworks. (ISACA Journal, Volume 6, 2022).
Furthermore, a case study from Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry illustrated the use of COBIT 5 in enhancing Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP). The firm sought to align its IT projects with overall business goals.
COBIT assisted the organization in implementing a more organized and quantifiable method for IT governance, facilitating improved control, enhanced strategic planning, and better risk management (IJSER, 2021).
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Global –
Worldwide, both government bodies and institutions persist in overseeing information technology governance through widely recognized frameworks including COBIT, ITIL, and ISO/IEC 38500. These tools help synchronize IT strategies with corporate aims, handle potential threats, and maintain adherence to legal requirements. Additionally, many entities are incorporating cyber security protocols and data protection laws to improve responsibility and informed choices throughout their IT activities. As an example, the United States utilizes frameworks like COBIT along with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for ensuring accountability, managing risks, and staying consistent with strategic goals.
In a similar vein, international firms such as PwC utilize COBIT to structure their internal IT audit processes and provide guidance to clients across the globe. By implementing these IT governance standards, they assist clients in synchronizing their technological goals with overall business strategies while managing various global regulatory environments, including GDPR and SOX regulations (PwC, 2023).
Conclusion
Strengthening IT governance is critical for businesses in Africa and globally. By adopting proven frameworks like COBIT and ISO 27001, organizations can align their IT strategies with business objectives, enhance risk management, and build trust with stakeholders.
As digital transformation accelerates, those who prioritize IT governance will be best positioned to lead in a complex, tech-driven future.
The author has more than 17 years of extensive experience encompassing finance, information technology systems, and auditing within both multinational and local entities. Holding credentials as a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), she specializes in areas such as forensic investigations, evaluations of IT controls, and adherence to regulations.
Serving as the Assistant Director at the Bureau of Information Technology Audits under the Pennsylvania Auditor General’s Office in the U.S., she manages various IT audit projects, making sure they comply with both federal and state regulations. In her international role, she examines intricate regulatory structures such as Government Auditing Standards, GAAS, ISACA Standards, and federal internal control criteria to assess how these affect audit processes and outcomes. Her areas of proficiency encompass evaluating IT general controls, conducting business process analyses, and performing compliance checks according to SOX, ISO, and GAAP standards. She utilizes sophisticated data analytic techniques to improve auditing effectiveness and guarantee the accuracy of information systems.
Before assuming her present position, she served in significant roles like Senior IT Auditor at Penske and Senior Auditor at NCR Corporation in Nigeria. In these capacities, she managed crucial audit assignments and risk evaluations in intricate IT settings. You may contact her through
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