UNDP Cybersecurity Training for Youth in West and Central Africa 2025

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Applications are open for 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.

The initiative, first launched in 2023 with a pilot group of 22 young participants—many of whom are now employed or leading digital initiatives—is now expanding to train 150 new cybersecurity enthusiasts in 2025.

The training will be delivered in a cohort format, combining virtual theoretical sessions with in-person practical sessions (where applicable). Structures in certain communities will be equipped to allow young people from rural and underserved areas to access computers and the internet and fully participate in virtual training and coaching sessions. Five youth will also be selected as future trainers in each country to support peer-to-peer learning and capacity building in their communities.

Cybersecurity Training for Youth Benefits

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

Eligibility Criteria

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.