The digital landscape of Africa is under siege, with cyber threats growing in sophistication and frequency. A recent report by the CSIR reveals a stark reality: nearly 90% of South African organisations suffered security breaches in the past year, highlighting a critical skills gap in the cybersecurity sector. To address this urgent need, Google Cloud, in partnership with the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA), has launched a comprehensive cybersecurity upskilling initiative.
The program, part of Google’s $1 billion investment in Africa’s digital transformation, aims to equip 12,000 students with the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. This initiative seeks to bridge the critical skills gap, empowering individuals to pursue careers in cybersecurity, cyber-defense, and information security analysis.
“Empowering young minds with cybersecurity knowledge is not just an investment in their future, but in the safety and security of our digital world,” said Mondli Gungubele, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.
Recognizing the crucial role of public sector employees in safeguarding digital infrastructure, Google Cloud is also partnering with the Department for Public Service and Administration to offer 1,000 government officials and civil servants the Google Cloud Cybersecurity Skills Boost certificate. This program will provide essential training in cloud computing basics, risk management, and incident mitigation, ensuring that public service employees are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital age.
“By equipping every public servant with foundational digital and cybersecurity knowledge, we ensure that our transformation is secure, resilient, and grounded in accountability,” stated Mzamo Buthelezi, Minister of Public Service and Administration.
The initiative comes at a critical time, as the CSIR report highlighted that 63% of cybersecurity jobs in South Africa remain unfilled. By providing accessible and comprehensive training, Google Cloud and NEMISA are taking a significant step towards building a robust cybersecurity workforce and fostering a secure digital economy.
The program’s focus on practical skills and hands-on training, delivered by Google experts, aligns with the growing demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals. This initiative, coupled with Google’s other investments in South Africa, including the Johannesburg Cloud region, underscores the company’s commitment to empowering the continent’s digital future
