• Nigerian startup Upgraded Era launched Hack365 Global, a cybersecurity training program for young West Africans.
• Hack365 equips trainees with technical modules, international certifications, and entrepreneurial support.
• The program aims to reduce graduate unemployment and reinforce Africa’s digital independence.

As technical graduates across Africa face mounting challenges securing employment, cybersecurity is gaining recognition as a crucial tool for addressing skilled unemployment while bolstering the continent’s digital sovereignty. Responding to this urgent need, Nigerian start-up Upgraded Era launched Hack365 Global in July — a comprehensive cybersecurity training program targeting young West Africans.

The initiative integrates hands-on technical modules, internationally recognized certifications, professional mentorship, and essential cross-disciplinary skills. It seeks to provide a timely solution to the twin challenges of escalating cyber attacks and high digital joblessness, training a new cadre of ethical hackers equipped both to safeguard African digital infrastructure and secure stable careers.

By bridging the gap between technical education and real-world market requirements, Hack365 is cultivating a qualified pool of talent rooted in African contexts. Beyond training, the program nurtures local digital entrepreneurship through mentoring and coaching, offering tangible professional pathways that enhance the chances of industry integration and skill development.

Africa’s cybersecurity landscape is under escalating pressure. According to Kaspersky, password-stealing malware attacks surged by 26% between 2023 and 2024, with Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire among the region’s hardest hit. As the continent continues to depend on external cybersecurity solutions, questions around digital sovereignty intensify. Hack365 aims to close this gap by equipping local cybersecurity experts to defend critical infrastructure while providing cost-effective protection tailored to African needs.

The success of Hack365 will ultimately hinge on its integration into national cybersecurity frameworks. Countries like Benin, Cameroon, and Ghana are already piloting similar programs with promising outcomes. To fully capitalize on these efforts, it is crucial to bolster local demand for cybersecurity solutions, increase funding for skills development, and deepen synergies between training initiatives, employment opportunities, and the pursuit of digital sovereignty.

Félicien Houindo Lokossou