Cybersecurity in Africa: Rwanda bets on an academy to protect its infrastructures 🛡️

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Faced with growing cyber threats, several countries are taking steps to protect their infrastructures. Rwanda, known for its technological advancements, is set to take a major leap by launching a cybersecurity academy. The Rwandan government aims to train experts capable of securing the country’s digital infrastructures. The announcement was made by Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, during a session organized by the Governance and Gender Affairs Commission of the Lower House of Parliament.

A response to cybersecurity challenges 🔍

This project is part of a collaborative effort with multiple partners, including Cisco, an American company specializing in cybersecurity. The academy will be established in Kigali, within the College of Science and Technology at the University of Rwanda. It will offer a wide range of training programs, covering cyberattack prevention, system configuration, and professional certifications such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

As digital transformation accelerates across the continent, cyberattacks are becoming more frequent. Like many other African nations, Rwanda is not immune to these threats. Minister Paula Ingabire highlighted the urgent need to train a skilled workforce to counter these risks.

“We need to strengthen our capacities in many fields, whether it’s artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or ICT in general. We need more professionals in the cybersecurity sector,” she stated.

A report by the Boston Consulting Group, in partnership with the Global Cybersecurity Forum, reveals that Africa has only 297,667 cybersecurity experts. Nearly 68,798 positions in this field remain vacant due to a shortage of qualified personnel on the continent.

A Cybersecurity Model in Africa 🌍

Rwanda is not starting from scratch when it comes to cybersecurity. The country is already considered a leader on the continent, with strong infrastructures and a clear political commitment. It was ranked Tier I in the Global Cybersecurity Index by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2024, achieving a score of 98.08 out of 100.

The creation of this academy aims to further strengthen the country’s resilience against cyber threats. This initiative solidifies Rwanda’s position as a key cybersecurity hub in Africa. By developing local expertise, the country seeks to secure its digital economy while protecting critical infrastructures.

Tell us what you think !!!
What do you think of this initiative? Are these efforts enough to tackle increasingly sophisticated threats? Share your thoughts in the comments! 😊