The UNDP, in collaboration with Concordia University and the Give1Project Digital Skills Academy, has launched an ambitious initiative to strengthen cybersecurity across West and Central Africa.

This five-year program, which begins on November 21, 2024, aims to train 25,000 young cybersecurity professionals, with a focus on youth and women. The project seeks to address critical cybersecurity gaps as the region experiences rapid economic growth and digitalization, often outpacing the implementation of robust cybersecurity frameworks.

The region has seen a rise in cyberattacks, from hacking to cyber-terrorism, which threaten critical infrastructure, businesses, and socio-economic stability. By empowering individuals with technical expertise, the program hopes to create a generation of leaders capable of tackling these challenges.

Speaking with WADR, Njoya Tikum, Director of the UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa, emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative in fostering a secure digital environment essential for the region’s development.