Cybastion has partnered with U.S. Embassies and the American Spaces network across Africa to expand digital skills training and access to professional certifications for young people, as governments and businesses seek to close the continent’s widening technology skills gap.
The initiative, called Africa DigiEmpower, is being delivered through Cybastion’s philanthropic organization, THEYA Foundation, in collaboration with African governments, schools, educational institutions and youth organizations.
The programme is designed to equip young people with practical technology skills and career pathways linked to the digital economy, including training in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and computer networking.
The partnership gives the programme access to the U.S. Embassy-supported American Spaces network, which provides venues and infrastructure for educational and professional development activities across Africa.
Training Expands From Networking to AI
In Gabon, the programme is being delivered at the American Corner in Libreville, where participants are receiving networking training based on the Cisco Networking Academy curriculum.
Participants are preparing for the Cisco Certified Support Technician, or CCST, Networking certification, while gaining practical experience in cabling, connectivity, network configuration, diagnostics and infrastructure.
The focus on internationally recognized certification is intended to give participants credentials that can be used when seeking employment or further training in the technology sector.
In Côte d’Ivoire, Cybastion and the U.S. Embassy recently completed their second annual summer technology camp, enrolling hundreds of young people across 20 cities.
The camp included training in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital awareness, broadening the program beyond traditional information-technology skills.
U.S. Embassy officials and executives from THEYA Foundation attended a ceremony in Abidjan on July 30 marking the completion of the first week of artificial-intelligence training.
Programme Targets Africa’s Digital Skills Gap
The expansion comes as African economies accelerate digitalization while employers face shortages of workers with specialized technology skills.
For Cybastion, the initiative is intended to connect young people with practical training rather than limiting digital education to theoretical coursework.
The company said its technology camps will continue throughout the year, with Africa DigiEmpower expected to expand into additional African countries.
The programme’s expansion could increase access to training in areas where young people often face barriers to acquiring internationally recognized technology credentials, while giving governments and educational institutions another channel for developing digital talent.
Cybastion’s partnership with the U.S. Embassy network also places the initiative within a broader effort to use American Spaces as platforms for technology education, professional development and youth engagement.
The company said the programme will continue to focus on practical digital skills and professional certifications as it expands across the continent.
