Morocco has launched a cybersecurity training programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of African leaders and officials to tackle emerging cyber threats, including those driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The “Cyber Academy” programme was launched in Rabat and is led by Morocco’s General Directorate for Information Systems Security (DGSSI) and the World Bank, in partnership with the Smart Africa Digital Academy (SADA).
The organisers said the training formed part of broader efforts to build the capacity of African leaders in cybersecurity governance and strategic decision-making.
The programme is designed to address challenges surrounding decision-making and strategic leadership in cybersecurity, while preparing participants for emerging threats associated with AI.
It also seeks to develop mechanisms for responding to cyber crises and foster cooperation and the exchange of expertise among African countries.
Speaking at the launch, William Zhang, Lead Expert in Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity at the World Bank, highlighted the importance of the training in identifying rapidly evolving cyber risks driven by AI and the high level of preparedness required from stakeholders.
Zhang noted that many cybersecurity organisations faced resource constraints in tackling current challenges, warning that AI was worsening the situation by making it easier to detect and exploit security vulnerabilities.
For her part, Rym Jarou, Director of Partnerships, Events and Communication at the Smart Africa Digital Academy, said the training aimed to strengthen the capabilities of cybersecurity leaders and officials to support various aspects of digital transformation across the continent.
She emphasised the need to equip African leaders responsible for digital transformation with cybersecurity management skills and capabilities, not only at the operational level but fundamentally at the strategic level.
The training programme, which runs until October 8, features interactive sessions and cyber-crisis simulations designed to enable participants to address practical challenges associated with decision-making and strategic leadership in cybersecurity.
AP
