Welcome to your course on Continental Cybersecurity in Africa!
This course is essential for African policymakers and professionals navigating the continent's rapid digitalization and the escalating complexity of cyber threats. It focuses on the fundamental knowledge and practical strategies needed to establish resilient and secure cyberspace.
The curriculum is structured to introduce you to the core components of the cybersecurity ecosystem, including the diverse key actors (governments, private sector, academia, SMEs) and the current threats and risks (such as Ransomware, Digital Extortion, and technical failures) impacting individuals and organizations. You will then explore the essential building blocks of effective cybersecurity, People, Processes, and Technology, and learn how to apply five critical cybersecurity interventions: Governance and Compliance, Strategic Planning, Risk Management, Integration into Business Operations, and Vulnerability Remediation.
By mastering these concepts, you will be equipped to develop and implement effective, harmonized cybersecurity policies and strategies tailored to your local context.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify and analyze the key actors, threats, and risks within the African cybersecurity ecosystem in the context of rapid digitalization.
- Explain and apply the foundational three building blocks of cybersecurity: People, Processes, and Technology, within an organizational environment.
- Implement the five essential functions of a cybersecurity program: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.
- Propose and justify practical cybersecurity intervention strategies, including governance, risk management, and vulnerability remediation, to address specific challenges in your local context.
Who is this course for?
This course is specifically designed for policymakers, public servants, regulators, and cybersecurity professionals across African nations. It is highly beneficial for individuals who are:
- Responsible for developing or influencing national, regional, or organizational cybersecurity policy and legislation.
- Involved in ICT adoption, strategic planning, or risk management within government institutions or the private sector.
- Seeking to build their capacity to lead efforts in creating a secure and harmonized digital future across Africa.
Welcome to your course on Building Resilient African Cybersecurity Infrastructures! This course is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge needed to analyze the complex cybersecurity landscape within the African context. We will examine the critical trends, persistent gaps, and significant opportunities emerging from increased connectivity and digitalization. The course covers prevalent cybercrimes and threats, such as Zero-Day Exploits, Phishing, and Identity Theft, and reviews the inadequacy of many existing African cybersecurity measures. By the end of this program, you will be able to investigate potential control measures, review key African and international cybersecurity projects and programmes (like GLACY+, OCWAR-C, and ACRC), and formulate strategies to build resilient infrastructure for cybersecurity in your local context. You will conclude the course by applying your knowledge to address a specific local cybersecurity challenge. Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: Analyze the current African cybersecurity landscape, including major trends (e.g., IoT, mobile money, remote work) and persistent gaps (e.g., lack of certified professionals, slow governmental responses). Evaluate prevalent cybersecurity crimes and threats (e.g., Phishing, Malware, Digital Extortion) and their impact on African individuals, organizations, and economies. Review, compare, and connect relevant African and global cybersecurity projects and programmes (e.g., AFJOC, GLACY+, World Bank initiatives) to localized infrastructure needs. Develop a strategic, locally-focused intervention plan to build resilient cybersecurity infrastructure and address a specific challenge in your region. Who is this course for? This course is intended for policymakers, regulators, public servants, and technical professionals across Africa who are responsible for digital infrastructure, national security, or organizational cybersecurity. It is especially relevant for those seeking to: Advocate for and implement robust cybersecurity countermeasures and strategies in their region. Collaborate with national or continental projects to strengthen cyber resilience. Apply best practices to address the security risks posed by rapid digitalization and evolving cyber threats.
Welcome to your course on Online Fraud Management in the Digital Age!
In today's interconnected world, where digital transactions and interactions are prevalent, and the threat of cyber-attacks and fraudulent activity is at an all-time high, it is of paramount importance to protect sensitive information and financial assets. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of online fraud, including its techniques, tactics, and potential impacts on individuals and organisations.
You will learn to recognise the early warning signs of fraudulent activities in various digital environments, such as social engineering threats like Phishing, Spear-phishing, and Ransomware. The curriculum details robust strategies for prevention and mitigation, focusing on cybersecurity practices (Strong Passwords, MFA, Encryption ), effective fraud risk assessment and management , and the use of modern fraud detection tools (AI/Machine Learning). You will also review essential legal and regulatory compliance considerations, enabling you to identify and respond to threats proactively.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Recognise the early warning signs and tactics of online fraud, including social engineering techniques (e.g., Phishing and Baiting) and malware threats.
- Apply the five steps of the fraud risk assessment process (Identify, Quantify, Respond, Monitor/Review, Report) to manage organizational and individual fraud risks.
- Identify and recommend appropriate technological strategies for fraud prevention and detection, including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), encryption, and AI-powered tools.
- Evaluate the economic, reputational, and psychological impacts of online fraud and ensure compliance with relevant legal and regulatory frameworks (e.g., data protection laws).
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for financial services professionals, government employees, IT security teams, e-commerce managers, and any individual seeking to safeguard digital assets. It is highly beneficial for those who are:
- Responsible for developing fraud prevention programs or managing consumer trust and data protection in an organization.
- Seeking practical skills in conducting risk assessments and utilizing modern fraud detection tools.
- Required to ensure organizational compliance with data protection laws and report cyber incidents to the appropriate authorities.
A practical framework for senior government officials and national CERT/CSIRT leads across Africa. Five modules cover Zero Trust network architecture, incident response and disaster recovery, Critical Information Infrastructure protection, cybersecurity capacity development, and protecting children online. Anchored in the Malabo Convention and AU Cybersecurity Strategy.
Over 800 million Africans access the internet exclusively through a mobile device. This course covers the foundations of mobile privacy law, security controls, emerging risks from IoT and AI, and the regulatory frameworks shaping Africa's digital future. Four modules, trilingual, GSMA-aligned.
About the Programme
SmartGirlLead empowers the next generation of African young women entrepreneurs, aged 21 to 28, with advanced digital and entrepreneurial skills. Through scholarships, selected participants will undertake an intensive 3-month programme and receive specialised training and certification in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Data Analytics. The programme is designed to enhance employability by equipping young women with industry-relevant skills aligned with the demands of the evolving digital economy.
Eligibility Criteria
- African young woman aged 21–28
- Interest in Cybersecurity, AWS Cloud Computing, AI, or Data Analytics
- Resident of one of the eligible countries: Chad, Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Malawi, or South Africa
Pre-Enrollment Process
- Fill in the application form
- Upload your CV
- Upload a motivation letter
- Submit your application
Applications will be reviewed and only successful candidates will be notified.
On behalf of Smart Africa and in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research and the World Economic Forum, we are pleased to announce an upcoming peer learning and exchange workshop taking place during Geneva Cyber Week.
Theme: Cyber Solidarity in Action – Building Trust, Resilience, and Global Partnerships
Date: 4–6 May 2026 (held alongside Geneva Cyber Week)
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
This high-level session is designed for members of the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities and key partners to strengthen cooperation, enhance cyber resilience, and advance Africa’s voice in global cybersecurity governance.
The workshop will focus on peer learning, capacity building, and strategic cooperation to address evolving cyber threats across the continent. Discussions and practical sessions will cover the continental threat landscape, regional coordination mechanisms, policy alignment, the establishment of a federated CERT model, cyber talent development, and cyber diplomacy.
Convened as part of the SADA WARDIP capacity building framework, this workshop aims to foster cross-border coordination and harmonised cybersecurity standards to support a secure and resilient African Single Digital Market. It will also serve as a platform for knowledge exchange between African cybersecurity leaders and global partners attending Geneva Cyber Week.
Participants will include heads of cybersecurity authorities from 27 ANCA member states, representatives from Regional Economic Communities, intergovernmental organisations, and international partners.
On behalf of the Smart Africa Secretariat, we are pleased to invite you to our webinar series on digital identity systems.
Theme: Cybersecurity and Financial Viability of Digital Identity Systems: Tools and Good Practices for Governments
This is a two-session webinar designed to strengthen understanding and practical capacity around cybersecurity and financial sustainability in digital identity systems, drawing on practical tools, benchmark frameworks, and country experience sharing.
Date: 13 May 2026
Session 1: Cybersecurity Benchmark for Digital Identity Systems Webinar
🕥 10:30–12:00 GMT (Abidjan) / 12:30–14:00 CAT (SA)
Session 2: Viabilité Financière des Systèmes d’Identité Numérique
🕑 14:00–15:30 GMT (Abidjan) / 16:00–17:30 CAT (SA)
Venue: Online
The sessions will introduce practical tools and frameworks, highlight key risks and sustainability considerations, and provide an opportunity for peer exchange among stakeholders involved in digital identity ecosystems.