Module objectives

Welcome to Knowledge Module 8 on cybersecurity culture, awareness, workforce, and skills as part of the GFCE-Africa project.

The module was designed to respond to the need for enhancing cyber capacity building efforts and cybersecurity culture on the African continent. It aims to guide, support, and equip participants with knowledge of cyber capacity building that is considered an inevitable component in the overall digital transformation in the region.

The overall objective of this module is to offer a broader context of cybersecurity capacity building in Africa. Cybersecurity capacity building efforts need to be viewed more holistically as these are linked to a broader digital policy reality and have direct spillovers to other developments in the region. 

By participating in this module, participants will acquire an understanding of why it is vital to invest in capacity building projects, with an emphasis on the importance of skills and cybersecurity culture building. Likewise, this module pays particular attention to the enhancement of gender diversity in the cybersecurity workforce.

This module also presents and helps participants to grasp concrete tools for building a mature cybersecurity culture on the African continent.

At the end of this module, participants will have:

1. Knowledge about the impact and necessity of cybersecurity capacity building in their respective countries,
2. Better understanding of related concepts, 
3. Better awareness of how capacity building efforts and investment can stimulate job creation, promote socio-economic development, enhance African countries’ engagement in international cooperation and negotiations and help them effectively promote their interests in international forums,
4. Developed a vision for enhanced cybersecurity culture and learnt best practices and ideas,
5. Considered engaging more young generations in cybersecurity, especially women and girls at a young age to narrow the gender gap.

Furthermore, you will be able to respond and suggest action on the following questions:

• How do cybersecurity challenges in your country feature in a holistic context? 
• How can capacity building efforts contribute to building a mature cybersecurity culture?
• How can early education in cybersecurity and building digital skills contribute to the overall cybersecurity context of your country? 
• How can you make the case with your leaders about a longer-term approach to cybersecurity in your country and your region?
• What can be done to attract more women to cybersecurity and narrow the gender gap?
• How can enhanced cyber capacity building help boost economic growth in African countries?
• What are spillovers of having better and more cybersecurity trained professionals in your country to other sectors?

Target audience

This module is particularly relevant for entry to mid-level government officials involved or aspiring to work in the cybersecurity field and/or are working in digital diplomacy. The module will be beneficial and practical for professionals, advisors, engaged in different policymaking related functions and for private sector representatives.