5. Main takeaways

Congratulations, you have reached the end of the module. In the concluding part, we will reflect on the key takeaways from this module, leaving some additional space for you to write down the points that seem important to you and are not included above.

• Cyber capacity building can facilitate the process of harnessing digital technologies and innovation to generate inclusive economic growth, stimulate job creation, and promote socio-economic development. Likewise, capacity building will positively contribute to the engagement of African stakeholders in global digital policy discussions, effectively promoting African interests in the international arena.
  
• The major difference between capacity building and capacity development is explained by the fact that capacity building encompasses the start at a zero point with the use of external expertise to create something that did not previously exist; capacity development, on the other hand, focuses rather on the existence of endogenous development processes and supports the processes that are already underway.
  
• Cyber capacity building focuses on developing collective capabilities and facilitating international cooperation and partnerships with the aim to effectively respond to cyber challenges.
  
• According to the ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), which measured and combined the score of each country on the 5 pillars (cybersecurity, legal, technical, organisational, capacity development measures, and cooperation measures) all but 6 countries in Africa lack capacity development incentives for cybersecurity.
  
• Limited public awareness, knowledge about the potential risk that cyberspace brings and lack of government officials’ understanding of the interconnection between cyber and national security is the major hindrance for African countries when it comes to cybersecurity.
  

• A shortage of adequately trained professionals impedes a nation’s overall economic prosperity. The absence of skilled cybersecurity personnel can endanger a company’s success: cyberattacks can cause huge financial losses, disrupt operations, services and supply chains, and furthermore, can compromise personal privacy and data. Besides, it hinders African countries from meaningfully participating and expressing their needs in international forums, often resulting in their absence when discussions are taking place and policies being shaped.
  
• In addition to technical skills, cybersecurity professionals need soft skills in the pursuit of their cybersecurity careers such as leadership skills, communication (translating technical subjects into business terms), critical/analytic thinking, teamwork, and creativity.
  
• Capacity building efforts should target women who are still largely underrepresented in the cybersecurity workforce. In Africa, 9% of cybersecurity professionals are women. Taking into account that almost 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25, making Africa the world’s youngest continent and women accounting for more than 50% of Africa’s combined population, it is important to focus on young girls and women and encourage them to enter and keep working in the cybersecurity sector. Ultimately, it would open up the world of options to generate high income and help shrink the cybersecurity workforce gap, which is particularly worrying and upsets the digital and technological advancement in the region.