Global View
The global defence market is estimated to grow from $452.69 billion in 2021 to $483.47 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%, according to PR Newswire. With a CAGR of 5.8%, the defence market is projected to reach $604.82 billion in 2026. 

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in restrictive containment measures involving social estrangement, remote work, and the closure of commercial activities. As a result, the defence market grew, and companies are restructuring their operations and recovering from this impact.

According to a forecast by Fortune Business Insight, the global market for cyber defence security would increase from $19.96 billion in 2021 to $29.81 billion in 2028, with a CAGR of 5.36%.

In 2020, the global public safety and security market was projected to be worth USD 394.40 billion, according to a report by Fortune Business Insight. Furthermore, the market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 10.4% between 2021 and 2028, rising from USD 434.73 billion in 2021 to USD 867.92 billion in 2028.

Africa
Market & Market estimates that the African cyber security market will increase from $0.92 billion in 2015 to $2.32 billion by 2020, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.41% over those two years.

Ghana
Ghana is the most politically stable country in West Africa, according to the 2018 Africa Benchmark Country Report. Ghana ranks 1st in West Africa and 4th in Africa in the 2018 Global Peace Index.  The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is the unified armed force of Ghana, consisting of the Army (GA), Navy (GN), and Ghana Air Force. According to the World Bank, Ghana’s total Armed forces personnel were reported at 16000 in 2019.

According to the World Bank, Ghana’s military expenditure (% of GDP) was reported at 0.44616 % in 2020. The government allocated a budget of GH¢604,182,039.00 and GH¢842,061,987.00 for the 2019 and 2020 financial years, respectively, to the Ministry of National Security.

Kenya
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) comprises the Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, and Kenya Air Force. Kenya’s military spending/defence budget for 2020 was $1.11B, a 0.95% decline from 2019. Also, Kenya’s military spending/defence budget for 2019 was $1.12B, a 0.29% increase from 2018. In the long-term, Kenya’s Military Expenditure is projected to trend around 960.00 USD Million in 2022, according to our econometric models.

Nigeria
According to a Market Research report, Nigeria spent US$1.6 billion on defence in 2019, representing a negative CAGR of 3.50% over the preceding period. Internal conflicts have been harming the nation’s stability and economic prosperity. However, the nation’s security and military industry is putting in a lot of effort to combat the Boko Haram Insurgency and restore the country to a peaceful state.

According to a report by Vanguard Newspaper, the country’s president earmarked around 15% of the 2022 national budget for security and defence.

Additionally, According to a report by Vanguard Newspaper, Nigeria’s e-security is better than any other African nation, ranking among the top 50 globally.

South Africa
One of the biggest defence industries in developing countries is South Africa. Numerous strategic, political, and economic considerations have influenced its growth and spread. In the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, the South African security industry saw an annual growth rate of 30%; the current growth rate is predicted to be 15%.

According to the most recent figures, South Africa’s commercial, industrial, and residential security markets collectively generate an estimated US$6 billion annual revenue. Approximately 300,000 security officers and 4,500 enterprises are registered in the nation. The ratio of security income turnover to gross domestic product is reportedly one of the highest in the world in this regard.

Advanced Defense Equipment
To combat new threats, militaries are creating more sophisticated and advanced military technology. There are developments in everything from space militarisation to directed energy weapons and hypersonic flights to biotechnology. And also nanotechnology research to develop self-healing armours and other cutting-edge machinery. Additionally, the defence sector has made reaching net-zero emissions one of its goals. This transition is made easier by investments in military aircraft powered by hydrogen fuel and electric propulsion on the battlefield. 

Biometric access control will bring higher security and efficiency
Authorised access control has significantly evolved over the past few decades, moving far away from ID cards, pin codes, and keys. We are currently in the era of biometrics.

Biometric authentications, such as facial and iris recognition and fingerprint and palmprint recognition, are quickly taking over the access control market. They have built-in benefits, including increased security and productivity with less counterfeiting.

Accelerated cloud-based security solutions
Cloud-based security systems, which bring together security, networking, storage, analytics and management, are making the deployment of security products much easier since there is no need for local servers or software. This allows businesses or companies to increase or decrease security systems while saving considerable time and money.

These solutions provide customers with remote operations and maintenance through a cloud-hosting architecture, instantly alerting them to significant security incidents and enabling them to stay up to date on the latest firmware versions, updates, and services—solutions for accelerated cloud security.

Steady Implementation of More-Electric Aircraft (MEA)
In the aerospace and defence industries, there is a rising desire for aeroplanes that use less fuel. The need to reduce purchase and ownership expenses is a reason. As a result, the defence industry will undoubtedly witness a noticeable push to use MEA solutions, even though there are still barriers limiting a complete transition to All-Electric Aircraft (AEA) technology, including efficiency and safety concerns.

Increased edge computing and AI applications
The security industry is seeing increased interest in several AI applications, including automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), automated event notifications, people counting, heat mapping, illegal parking detection, and hard hat identification. Soon, it will be commonplace to see security cameras handle more intelligent duties, which will help to strengthen local community security and data system efficiency thanks to improved edge computing and optimised AI algorithms.

Cybersecurity and data privacy
Establishing data privacy and safeguarding security systems from cyberattacks are more crucial than ever, with more security devices connecting over the internet than ever imagined. Cybersecurity remains a worry for the sector at every stage of data processing, from data generation to storage to transmission to applications to destruction.

In cybersecurity, the idea of “zero trust” has gained popularity, inspiring security firms to develop higher-level cybersecurity standards based on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” Only time will tell.

Security Management

• Intelligence management and Its Impact on Security
• Role of Security Management in an Organisation
• Home Network: Hardware and Security Management
• Information Security Management System
• Information Security Management in SMEs. 

Cybersecurity

• Safe quantum and space communications
• Data privacy, AI and IoT security
• Human-behavior based security 
• Organisational security policy and management
• IoT security and privacy, Computer and software security
• Mobile platform ads application security
• Biometrics security
• Data encryption algorithms
• Cyber and internet crimes, including internet security and e-banking Fraud Prevention
• Biometric security

Other Ares

• RFID security systems
• Stega analysis and steganography analysis
• Digital image processing in forensic analysis
• Understanding the dark web and how it facilitates organised crime
• Police reforms: scope, significance and constraints
• Traditional authorities and trans-border security
• Community policing: best practices and application to Nigeria
• Nigeria and international terrorism: policy and impact.
• Ethno-religious crises.
• Indigene versus Settler conflicts.
• Peace education.
• Mapping/planning terrain trafficable for the movement of ground troops andmilitary wares.
• Bathymetric mapping of the coastal areas for surveillance purposes.

The Security and Defence industry makes substantial contributions to the following SDGs:

Goal 5: Gender Equality
The industry plays a vital part in eliminating violence against all women and girls. This includes combating human trafficking, sexual assault, and other types of exploitation by enforcing the law and seeking out offenders, additionally by ensuring women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in the industry.

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
As part of the industry’s efforts to achieve this goal, it takes immediate and practical steps to eradicate forced labour, modern slavery, and human trafficking; prohibit and ensure that child labour is eliminated in all its forms.

Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
The industry contributes by significantly reducing violence and related death rates everywhere and protecting the safety of lives and property across regions. This is done by enacting state-of-the-art security measures to tackle attacks & threats posed on the lives of citizens and property. And additionally, by ensuring that those who violate the law are arrested, and justice is served.

Challenges facing the agribusiness industry include:

Environmental Impact
A significant challenge in the agriculture sector is feeding the increasing global population. In addition, it reduces the environmental impact and preserves natural resources for future generations. Agricultural activities such as livestock production with high carbon emissions and food production with high water use significantly impact the environment. Examples of negative impacts include pollution and soil, water, and air degradation. However, agriculture can positively impact the environment, for example, trapping greenhouse gases within crops and soils.

Climate Change
There are increased pressures from climate change, soil erosion and biodiversity loss. In addition, consumers’ have changing tastes in food and are concerned about its production. Plants, pests and diseases also pose their challenges. Climate change affects farmers’ ability to grow the food the world needs. Increasingly volatile weather events change growing seasons and limit the availability of water. They also allow weeds, pests and fungi to thrive and reduce crop productivity.

Soil Erosion
Soil erosion reduces the amount of land available for agriculture. In addition, the declining biodiversity affects crop pollination. As a result, farmers have to conserve water and use fewer agricultural inputs.

Demand for Quality Food 
Farmers need to produce more food of higher quality. Recently, the focus has shifted from concern about ‘enough food’ to ‘good food’. Society has rising expectations of farmers to reduce their impact on the environment, increase crops’ nutritional content, and further minimise chemical residues in yields and the environment.

Poor Infrastructure in Developing Countries. 
Farms and agribusinesses, similarly to other businesses, suffer from poor infrastructure. Examples include poor road networks, limiting farmers’ access to markets and leading to high post-harvest losses as produce is transported on these roads. Preservation of produce is also made more difficult with the inadequate power supply to operate processing machinery and storage facilities.

High post-harvest loss of food with no sufficient technologies for food preservation and hunger is prevalent. It threatens the intensification of food insecurity in developing countries. At the same time, there is a high rate of food waste in developed countries.

Depleting natural resources such as land nutrients due to widespread industrial and agricultural practices and natural disasters.

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  Defence and security industries, especially the Information security segment, now rely heavily on AI and machine learning (ML). These tools can quickly analyse millions of events and spot a wide range of threats, from malware that takes advantage of zero-day vulnerabilities to risky behaviour that could result in phishing attacks or the download of malicious software. In addition, AI can recognise and react to departures from established norms thanks to the profiles that histories of behaviour on users, assets, and networks help to develop

• Robotics & Autonomous Systems (RAS)
  RAS is becoming more crucial to ensuring freedom of movement and mission success with the least risk to personnel. An example is drones used on the battlefield or in a situation to improve situational awareness by security and defence personnel. Additionally, multi-mission robots make it easier to clear landmines, conduct search and rescue missions, destroy explosive ordnance, and provide logistical assistance.

• 5G Technology
  The 5G technology adoption could significantly change the security sector. 5G’s increased bandwidth and reduced latency will enable the regular delivery of high-quality images. As a result, they may present new prospects for video security.

  The market for wired video security will undergo a revolution through the adoption of wireless transmission through 5G technology. Wireless cameras will grow in the upcoming 5G networks, and more devices will be connected in remote areas. Additionally, this will speed up and widely deploy AI applications in edge devices.

• Blockchain
  Blockchain offers data security while distributing data to all parties involved. To safeguard sensitive military/security data and fend off cyberattacks, security and defence firms/startups are developing blockchain-based solutions. In addition, smart contracts greatly limit the possibility of fraud or corruption while dealing with security and defence contractors. Device monitoring, procurement process improvement, and supply chain security are additional uses of blockchain technology in the sector.

• Immersive Technologies
  With immersive technologies (AR, VR), security and defence firms/startups can create flexible and repeatable experiences, such as those used for combat or flight training. This experience augments traditional instructions and mission briefings, enhancing security and defence personnel readiness. In addition, with the use of this technology, Soldiers can access mapping data, movement markers, and other data using wearable glasses or augmented reality headsets.

The Security and Defence industry is vital in every country. It has opportunities for professionals, technicians, and other providers of informal labour. Graduate roles in the sector include Intelligence analyst, Research analyst, GIS analyst, Consultant, Aircraft mechanic, IT systems administrator, Project manager, Contract Specialist, Procurement analyst, Security analyst, Program analyst, Flight instructor, Army officer, Combat engineer, Cybersecurity specialist, Systems integration engineer, Software engineer, Military Officer, Security Analyst, Intelligence Analyst, Army IT professional, Drone pilot, Pilot, Military police, Aerospace engineer, System Engineer, Quality assurance engineer, Flight Inspector, Data Protection Officer, Customer Success Manager, Sales Engineer, Governance, Risks, and Compliance officer, Policy Writer. 

Highest Paying Jobs
Security Architect, System, Network, and Web Penetration Tester, Network Security Engineer, Network Security Administrator, Information Security Analyst, Defense Analyst

1. Communication and Persuasion
   To ensure safety and security within a location and among the public, communication and persuasion (negotiation) are essential. Therefore, you should have excellent verbal and written communication skills if you work in this field. You can use these skills to deliver technical security information to various stakeholders and respond to nontechnical inquiries. Or use it for campaigns to spread awareness of good security practices among the general public.

2. Critical thinking
   This is the capacity to analyse several possibilities and balance the benefits and drawbacks of each. One example is talking to a suspicious person and comparing their story to reality to determine whether they are telling the truth. Undoubtedly a skill that should be developed before it is needed.

3. Teamwork and Leadership
   The industry requires strong teamwork and leadership skills. You frequently operate as part of a team, collaborating with coworkers or other stakeholders and enlisting their skills to help you solve problems. Hence, your need to be a team player. Both developing relationships and following orders to the letters are skills you must learn to have a successful career.

4. Planning and Organisation
   This is an industry where personnel work strictly with orders, and operations/activities are time bound. Therefore, you must be able to organise and prioritise tasks as ordered and given without delay. Also, one must develop an ability to stick to tactical and non-tactical plans.

Bachelor’s degree for specialisation includes but is not limited to the following: Bachelor in National Security Affairs and International Relations, BSc (Hons) Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and Cybercrime, Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Intelligence (BSHS), Bachelor of Science in National Security Studies, BS in National Security Studies, Bachelor of Science in Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation, BS in Intelligence, BS in Nuclear Enterprise Security Studies, Bachelor in Security and Defense, Bachelor in National Security and Cultural and Historical Heritage.

Master’s degree for specialisation includes but is not limited to the following: MSc in IT Security Management, MSc in Private Security, Master in War and Defence, Master in Law and Security, MSc in Cybersecurity & Defense Management, Master in Security and Human Rights, MSc in Cybersecurity, Master’s Programme in Security Governance, Security and Safety Management, Master in Security and Cloud Computing (SECCLO), MA in Cyber Crime and Terrorism, Master of Science in Applied Intelligence, MSc IT Security Management, MSc Data Analytics and IT Security Management, Master of Science in Information Security and Digital Forensics.

Certification Courses include but are not limited to the following: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC), Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), Physical Security Professional (PSP), Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Certified Homeland Protection Professional (CHPP), Industrial Security Professional (ISP), Security Professional Education Development (SPēD), Professional Certified Investigator (PCI), Associate Protection Professional (APP) 

The security and defence sector is a rapidly expanding industry that can provide you with a secure and fulfilling job with lots of room for growth and improvement. The sector will allow you to continuously learn new things as a security expert, develop new talents, and increase your understanding of security technology. Additionally, you’ll work independently or in teams on various tasks as your superiors or boss instructed.

Working in this industry requires you to be able to carry our orders – especially when it is coming from your supervisors. Additionally, your work will revolve around maintaining peace and safety and managing security challenges as a field operative or an administrator. 

Work hours might vary depending on your job role and the company you’re working for. However, you may have to work beyond the stipulated hours when there is a security threat. 

TIPS FOR ENTRY
Administration or management security positions are the way to go if you’re starting in the security and defence sector and want to eventually advance to some of the most significant security professions. However, since these are high-level professions, more than just a passion for security services and a desire to work in this industry will be necessary.

The best way to get started would be to apply for a job in an entry-level security role or to join the Armed Forces for a particular time (Army, Navy, Police, etc.). Most people who succeed in the security and defence sector start in one of these two positions.

Internships with firms and companies in this industry to gain experience as fresh graduates would be a good start, especially if you’re looking for an administrative or management role. The industry heavily depends on skilled and experienced personnel.

Ghana
The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre

Kenya
Institute of Certified Safety, Security Professionals of Kenya, Kenya Security Industry Association, Private Security Regulatory Authority, The association of Corporate and Industrial Security Management Professionals

Nigeria
National Professional Security Association (NPSA), Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), Information Security Society of Africa (ISSAN) 

South Africa
Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA), Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), Institute for Security Studies (ISS), Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), Security Association of South Africa (SASA), South African Institute of Security (SAIS)

Ghana
Officer Cadet Gershon Anerboi Abbey, Brigadier General Constance Emefa Edjeani-Afenu, Major Georgina Asabea Asare, Irene Larbi, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Mfum, Captain Emmanuel Abugri Salifu, Arthur Kweku Ackah-Yensu

Kenya
Stephyne Nyaboga, Daniel Rotich, Martin Muthaura, Peter Shikuri, Fatuma Ahmed

Nigeria
Ade Ogundeyin, Tanwa Ashiru, Sam Olaniran, Jennesse Haruna, Ayodeji Bamgbose CPP, Buduka Julia Johnson.

South Africa
Zane Cleophas, Caesar Tonkin, Charl Ueckermann, Ntsoaki Kortjass.

International
United Nations (UN), the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), the European Union (EU), The Council of Europe (CoE), and The United Nations Security Council.

Ghana
Ghana Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of National Security, Ghana Police Service

Kenya
Ministry of Internal Security and Defence, The Kenya Defence Force, The National Intelligence Service, The National Police Force

Nigeria
Ministry of Defence, Army Affairs Department, Nigeria Institute of Industrial Security

South Africa
Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA), Department of Defence Department of Military Veterans.

Leading Global Companies and Startups
Lockheed Martin Corp, Boeing Co., Raytheon Technologies Corp., General Dynamics Corp, Pfizer Inc, Northrop Grumman Corp, G4S, Allied Universal, ADT, United Technologies, Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc, Humana Inc, Hikvision, FLIR Systems, Moderna Inc, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc, Almaz-Antey, Leonardo, Thales, CACI International, Dahua Technology Ltd,  Airbus Group,Gallagher Security (Europe) Ltd, ASSA ABLOY EMEA, General Dynamics, Control Risk, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Raytheon, BAE Systems, China Electronics Technology Group, Booz Allen Hamilton, Mitsubishi Group, Peraton, Safran, Naval Group, Elbit Systems, SAIC, General Electric, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Saudi Arabia Military Industries, Battelle, Roketsan, Climax Technology Co., Ltd., AFRISEC, LLC.

Leading African Companies and Startups
Absolute Security Ltd, 3RT Technologies, Access Control SA, ACTI-TECH, Advance Security, Afriscope Limited, Airborne Drones, Ajax Technologies Limited, Al Thuraya Security Egypt, Al Waheed General Trading Co., Allscope Technologies Nigeria Ltd., Antivirus4u Corp, Awake Security Limited, H & O Automation Systems Ltd, Absolute Security, 

Leading Ghana Companies and Startups
Petram Fortis, Petram Sandock Maritime Systems, C2i International Limited, Black Hawk Services Limited, Strongarm Security Services Limited, KBK Security Services Limited, Paradigm Security Services Limited, Real Life Security Services Limited, Sparrows Intelligent Security Services Limited, Goldmaxx Security Company Limited, Edern Security Services Limited, Lion Security Services Ltd, 3-A Security Limited, Ammour Security Ltd, Mace Security Ghana Limited, Kwan Security Services Limited, Panos Security Services Limited,  Corenet IT Limited, Quantum Security Solutions, Sky Watch Company Ghana Ltd, National Cyber Security Centre, Inveteck Global, BNP Cyber Intelligence Consult, Skylinks Technical Services Ltd, Cyber Master Business Centre, Center for Advance Information Technology and Cybersecurity, Deloitte, Bambace Limited.

Leading Kenya Companies and Startups
Kenya Defence Forces, Dolexo Security Services, Seal Burry Security Services, Silver Edge Private Investigators Kenya, Intelwise Technologies, Bridge Security, Eureka Technical Services Limited, SENACA International security, TOPWATCH Security, Carewel International, Edis security consultants Kenya Ltd, CCTV Installers in Kenya, Eminent Secure Agencies Limited, Eccel Security Services, Time Trek Services Ltd, Benforce Security Services, Premier Private Investigations and Consulting, Tandu Alarms System Ltd, Ruai Kennels, Babs Security Group, North Harbour Holdings Ltd, Phogo Group Limited, Apache Group Limited, Armytec International Security Services, Bedrock Security Services Ltd., Access Security Limited, 

Leading Nigeria Companies and Startups
Nigeria Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Police, DICON Primer Cap Factory, Proforce, Kifta Technologies, Eliezer Group, Proton Security Company Limited, Ashaka Security Company, Eyespy Security Service Limited, Halogen Security, Damon Guards, KingsGuard Private Security Company, McDon Security, ASA Security Nigeria, Synergy Guards Nigeria, Technocrime Security Nigeria LTD, Nigachem Nigeria Ltd, Lodoni Company Nigeria LTD, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, Badeh Aerospace, BNTI Arms Ltd, Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company – (NAVMC), DICON Kaduna Ordnance Factory, Mekahog Ltd, Demfas Aerosystems, Lionstar Technologies, SecPro Nigeria Ltd, Obama Security, NDL Nigeria, Epenal, SeWa, EPAIL, Al marine Nigeria, Kifta Technologies, ADVANCED PROTECTION SYSTEMS (APS Nigeria), Armour-Shield, AlarmCenter Limited, Anadal Technologies Limited.

Leading South Africa Companies and Startups
Hlongwane Security & Projects CC, SheerGuard SA, Papamani Security, South African Bodyguard Services, Peaceforce Security Group (Pty) Ltd, Fidelity Security, 42nd Precinct Security, G4S South Africa, Proshield Security, Apache Security, I & J Security Services LTD, Security Guards Company, HARDKORE VIP Security Company, Comsec Private Security Company, APM Security Services, Interactive Security Consultants SA cc, Magen Security, Intertel Investigations, SPIFF Consultants, Tldprivate Investigators, CCTV Security Surveillance, Intervid-Africa, Milestone Systems Southern Africa, Security City & Hardware Suppliers (Pty) Ltd. 

Books

• Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World by H. R. McMaster
• Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA by Tim Weiner
• Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army by Jeremy Scahill
• The Art of War by Sun Tzu
• Strong on Defense by Sanford Strong
• Hacking: The Art of Exploitation by Jon Erickson
• Cold Steel by Jim Grover

Podcasts

• War on the Rocks
• Foreign Podicy
• Blueprint
• Security Clearance Careers Podcast
• Intelligence Matters
• The World of Intelligence
• Angry Planet
• The Spear
• The Tea Leaves Podcast

Events

• NexGen Security
• TT-SA
• Cyber Security EXPO
• InfoSec World
• Cyber Security & Cloud Expo
• Black Hat Europe
• West African Cyber Security Summit (WACSS)
• Securex West Africa
• Nigeria Security Exhibition and Conference
• Police Security Expo

Movies/Documentary

• The Hurt Locker
• Drone
• Hackers
• Blackhat
• Beasts of No Nation
• Tears of the Sun
• Kingsmen
• Spy Game
• Skyfall
• Deep Web
• The Great Hacks
• Inside the Dark Web

Publications

• National Defense Magazine
• Defense News
• Defense One
• Breaking Defense
• InsideDefense.com
• Defence Turkey Magazine
• Security Africa Magazine
• Military Africa