Fully Funded Cybersecurity Training for Youth in West and Central Africa – Apply Now!

The Give1Project, Concordia University, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are searching for 150 young people from across West and Central Africa to join the second cohort of the Regional Cybersecurity Training programme.

The initiative, first launched in 2023 with a pilot group of 22 young participants—many of whom are now employed or leading digital initiatives—is now expanding to train 150 new cybersecurity enthusiasts in 2025.

Format

The training will be delivered in a cohort format, combining virtual theoretical sessions with in-person practical sessions(where applicable).

Structures in certain communities will be equipped to allow young people from rural and underserved areas to access computers and the internet and fully participate in virtual training and coaching sessions.

Five youth will also be selected as future trainers in each country to support peer-to-peer learning and capacity building in their communities.

Benefits

• Practical skills in cybersecurity and access to mentorship
• Exposure to industry experts and networking opportunities
• Certification upon successful completion
• Pathways to internships, employment, and entrepreneurship in the digital economy
• Opportunity to become a trainer and community ambassador

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply, applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old
• Be a national of one of the 24 countries in West and Central Africa^[1]
• Be currently enrolled in or have graduated from a university or technical institution
• Demonstrate interest and foundational knowledge in cybersecurity and the potential to grow professionally or as an entrepreneur in the field
• Be proficient in English or French
• Have a valid identification document or passport

Screening Process

First-Level Screening

Candidates who meet the minimum requirements of the programme will be shortlisted for the next phase. The scoring breakdown will be as follows:

• Motivation (Weight: 25%): Assess for genuine interest and enthusiasm.
• Skills (Weight: 35%): Focus on IT, programming, and cybersecurity knowledge.
• Experience (Weight: 15%): Any hands-on cybersecurity experience or relevant competitions.
• Education Level (Weight: 10%): Preference for candidates with technical education in IT.
• Extra-curricular (Weight: 15%): Bonus points for leadership and participation in events.

Second-Level Screening: Technical Assessment 

Candidates who pass the first screening stage will undergo a deeper technical evaluation following a notification from the technical evaluation committee.

Third-Stage Screening: Interviews

Following the successful completion of the first and second stages, candidates with the highest scores will be invited for a round of interviews before being notified of the final selection.

To Apply

Visit: https://bit.ly/4iYuT43

Deadline: All applications must be submitted on or before 17 April 2025.

Please note: The training start date will be communicated directly to successful applicants.

About the Programme

In today’s digital age, investing in Africa’s youth through access to modern technologies is key to accelerating inclusive and sustainable development.

The “Enhancement of Modern Technologies to Accelerate Youth Entrepreneurship and Employability in West and Central Africa (WACA) Region” project, led by UNDP in partnership with Give1 Project and Concordia University, empowers young people with cutting-edge cybersecurity skills to help unlock employment opportunities and build future-ready communities.

The programme seeks to:

• Equip youth with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the global cybersecurity industry.
• Promote inclusive access to digital skills, especially for those in remote areas, minority communities, and persons with disabilities.
• Create a network of young trainers who can continue to train and empower others across the region.

About the Give1Project

Give1Project engages young people as leaders in creating and building strong and healthy communities. Through initiatives in hunger relief, healthcare, civic engagement, housing, legal services, employment training and educational programmes, Give1Project empowers young women and men to lead change and elevate their social, economic, and political participation—locally and globally.

Learn more at www.give1project.net

About Concordia University

Concordia University sets itself apart as a next-generation university focused on reimagining the future of higher education. Concordia’s innovative approach to experiential learning and cross-functional research benefits its 50,000 students. Concordia is the top-ranked university in North America under 50, located in vibrant Montreal on the traditional lands of the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation. It strives to be socially responsible and create a more equitable and sustainable world.

Learn more at www.concordia.ca

About the United Nations Development Programme

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

Learn more at www.undp.org/africa/waca

For more information, please contact: 

• Nadine Rugwe, Governance and Peacebuilding Advisor, UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa | nadine.rugwe@undp.org
• Christella Igiraneza, Youth Programme Specialist, UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa | christella.igiraneza@undp.org

[1] Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

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