UNDP Cybersecurity Training for Youth in West and Central Africa 2025

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 Program

A cohort approach will be used to offer the training, which will combine online theoretical sessions with in-person practical sessions (where applicable). In some regions, facilities will be set up so that youth from underserved and rural areas can use computers and the internet to fully engage in online coaching and training sessions. In each nation, five young people will also be chosen to serve as future trainers, fostering peer-to-peer education and community capacity building.

Eligibility Criteria for UNDP Cybersecurity Training

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.
• 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.

Selection Criteria

• First-Level Screening: Candidates who meet the minimum requirements of the program 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.

Access more credible opportunities for Africans

Benefits for Participants

• 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

Deadline: April 17, 2025

Click HERE to Apply

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