• Program offers CEH, CSA, and BFC certifications with hands-on training
• Aims to address cybersecurity talent gap as African market nears $1.3B by 2029

The Wild Fusion Digital Centre (WDC), a technology training center based in Lagos, officially launched an advanced ethical hacking program in partnership with EC-Council, a global leader in cybersecurity certification.

The announcement was made at a ceremony at WDC headquarters attended by training officials and local business representatives. The initiative is designed to meet the growing demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria and across Africa, The Guardian reported on Saturday.

The program offers internationally recognized certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified SOC Analyst (CSA), and Blockchain Finance Certified (BFC). WDC stated the training is conducted in-person and emphasizes practical application, ensuring participants master techniques for detecting and correcting vulnerabilities in computer systems.

The center noted that the training allows individuals and corporate teams to obtain these international-level qualifications without leaving the country. WDC highlighted that the need for the training is urgent due to the increasing complexity of cyberattacks and a shortage of qualified experts.

The Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) has pointed to a persistent talent deficit, while the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 33% growth in cybersecurity jobs between 2023 and 2033.

The training program is being launched amid significant growth in the digital sector. An analysis by Mordor Intelligence estimates the value of the African cybersecurity market at $0.6 billion in 2024, with projections to reach $1.28 billion by 2029, driven by a compound annual growth rate of 13.5% over the period.

Félicien Houindo Lokossou