Kectil Zambia Partners with NetOne Foundation to Launch Cybersecurity Capacity Program

Strengthening Zambia's Digital Infrastructure Through Youth Leadership

As digitized financial systems, mobile money platforms, and regional cloud infrastructure continue to grow across Zambia, the demand for specialized cybersecurity talent has never been higher. To address this critical skill gap, Kectil Centre for Youth Excellence Zambia has officially partnered with NetOne Foundation to roll out the SAMA Cybersecurity Initiative.

The initiative focuses on bridging the transition between tertiary computer science education and practical, enterprise-grade cybersecurity operations.

Key Pillars of the Program

The SAMA Cybersecurity Initiative brings together industry engineers and academic leaders to deliver hands-on technical training:

• Threat Detection & Incident Response: Real-world SOC (Security Operations Center) workflows, log analysis, and automated threat mitigation.
• Ethical Hacking & Network Defense: Vulnerability assessments, penetration testing frameworks, and secure network design.
• Regulatory Compliance & Data Protection: Understanding regional data sovereignty laws and international compliance frameworks.
• Ethical Tech Leadership: Incorporating the core values of the Kectil Code into technology governance and digital ethics.

Mentorship from Regional Industry Experts

Beyond theoretical coursework, participants are paired with experienced cybersecurity specialists and systems architects. These mentors provide 1-on-1 guidance, resume reviews, and real-world project scenarios.

"Empowering young Zambians with high-tier cybersecurity skills is not just about technology—it is about securing our national digital economy and enabling youth to compete globally."

What's Next for Cohort Applications?

Applications for the upcoming cohort are being reviewed through the official portal. Eligible candidates include recent graduates in Computer Science, Information Technology, and Software Engineering based in Zambia.

To stay updated on future application cycles and community webinars, follow the Kectil Zambia channels on Facebook and LinkedIn.