The Give1Project, Concordia University, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched an expanded cybersecurity training initiative targeting 150 young people across West and Central Africa.
Building on the success of its 2023 pilot programme, which trained 22 participants who have since secured employment or launched digital initiatives, the Regional Cybersecurity Training programme will deliver its second cohort in 2025 through a combination of virtual theoretical sessions and in-person practical training where possible.
The programme will equip youth with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the global cybersecurity industry. The organisers have committed to establishing technology access points in rural and underserved communities to ensure participants without regular internet access can fully engage in the training.
Five participants from each country will be selected as future trainers to support peer-to-peer learning within their communities, creating a sustainable model for skills development across the region.
Eligible applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, nationals of one of the 24 countries in West and Central Africa, enrolled in or graduated from a university or technical institution, and demonstrate foundational knowledge in cybersecurity. Proficiency in either English or French is required.
The selection process includes multiple screening stages, with candidates evaluated based on motivation (25%), skills (35%), experience (15%), education level (10%), and extracurricular activities (15%). Shortlisted candidates will undergo a technical assessment and interviews.
The initiative is part of the broader “Enhancement of Modern Technologies to Accelerate Youth Entrepreneurship and Employability in West and Central Africa Region” project, which aims to promote inclusive access to digital skills and create employment opportunities in the growing cybersecurity sector.
Applications must be submitted by April 17, 2025, through the programme’s website. The training start date will be communicated directly to successful applicants.
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