The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) suffered a large-scale cybersecurity breach targeting its digital infrastructure projects across Eastern and Southern Africa. The attack exploited vulnerabilities in the agency’s regional data-sharing platforms, which were being developed to bridge digital divides and enhance cross-border service delivery. Hackers—likely state-sponsored or advanced cybercriminal groups—infiltrated systems managing critical data infrastructure, including rural internet expansion plans, digital identity frameworks, and financial inclusion databases. The breach resulted in the compromise of sensitive government and citizen data, including national ID records, financial aid distribution logs, and intergovernmental communication channels. While no immediate ransomware was deployed, the attack disrupted ongoing projects aimed at improving internet access for 24% of the region’s unconnected population, delaying regulatory harmonization efforts. The incident also eroded trust in digital governance initiatives, as partner countries temporarily halted data-sharing agreements pending security audits. The long-term impact includes setbacks in poverty reduction programs, as digital service rollouts (e.g., e-health, e-education) faced delays. The attack underscored the region’s fragile cybersecurity posture, exposing gaps in protecting nascent digital economies. Recovery efforts require overhauling infrastructure, but the reputational damage and operational paralysis have already hindered AUDA-NEPAD’s mission to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.