Zimbabwe has launched a National Cybersecurity Training Programme aimed at equipping thousands of young people with skills to protect the country’s digital infrastructure.
The programme was unveiled by the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, at an event in Harare attended by government officials, international partners, and industry stakeholders. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen regional cyber resilience, announced at the recent Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B) in Geneva.
Under the scheme, an initial 10,000 Zimbabweans will receive training in digital defence skills, including ethical hacking and cybersecurity analysis. The government says the number will eventually rise to 15,000. The training is designed to prepare young people for careers in a global cybersecurity industry expected to be worth more than US$200 billion.
“This is not just tech training – it is about empowering our youth to become ethical hackers, cybersecurity analysts, and guardians of our digital future,” said Minister Mavetera. “We are building a Zimbabwe that doesn’t just consume technology but leads it. This is about talent, sovereignty, and a secure digital economy for all.”
The programme is being implemented in partnership with Cyberus and the Komib Foundation, with an initial 160 scholarships available for youth across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
The launch comes amid growing concerns over cyber threats in Africa, including data breaches and ransomware attacks affecting small businesses and exposing sensitive information online. Officials say these incidents highlight the urgent need for coordinated regional efforts to strengthen cyber defences.
Speaking at the launch, Russia’s Acting Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Sergey Kuzin, called for stronger international cooperation on cybersecurity. Dmitry Grigoriev of Komib emphasised the importance of training and knowledge-sharing. Deputy Minister Dingimuzi Phuti closed the event, describing the initiative as “key to a smarter, safer Zimbabwe.”
