Cyber Academy Program Launched in Rabat
This Monday, Rabat served as the backdrop for the inauguration of the "Cyber Academy" executive program, meticulously crafted for leaders and technical officials from African authorities responsible for cybersecurity. This initiative aims to illuminate the critical decision-making challenges and strategic leadership requirements inherent in this vital sector.
Jointly spearheaded by the General Directorate of Information System Security (DGSSI) and the World Bank (WB), in collaboration with the Smart Africa Digital Academy (SADA), this training session is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing the skills of African leaders in digital governance and cybersecurity. The program aspires to equip participants with the necessary tools to address emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI), strengthen cyber crisis management frameworks, and foster the exchange of expertise among countries across the continent.
Strategic Training for Cybersecurity Leadership
William Zhang, a senior expert in digital transformation and cybersecurity at the World Bank, emphasized the significance of this training, placing it within a global movement focused on building cybersecurity capacity. According to him, the challenge extends beyond merely identifying risks; it also involves anticipating the pace at which AI is reshaping these threats. In statements to MAP, he noted that many cybersecurity institutions currently lack the resources to meet these challenges, warning that AI complicates matters by making the detection and exploitation of security vulnerabilities more accessible.
Rym Jarou, Director of Partnerships, Events, and Communications at the Smart Africa Digital Academy, elaborated on the program's goal of equipping African leaders with essential tools to navigate the continent's digital transformations. She highlighted the importance of training these leaders in cybersecurity management not only from an operational perspective but also at a strategic level. She reminded attendees that SADA's programs encompass a wide range of topics, including cybersecurity strategies, cyber operations, digital sovereignty, and data sovereignty, all within the context of the rapid evolution of the AI ecosystem.
Tawfiq Ali Lakssar, head of the cybersecurity unit at Yemen's Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology, underscored the necessity of equipping future leaders with a solid foundation of executive skills: the ability to lead a cybersecurity unit and design integration and governance plans for AI within institutions, teams, and training frameworks. He stressed that the program's relevance is measured through its various components, particularly in developing response plans aligned with international best practices and creating opportunities for expertise exchange among participating countries.
The program will continue until October 8, bringing together multiple international and African cybersecurity experts. It combines interactive sessions and cyber crisis simulations, allowing participants to confront real-world decision-making and strategic leadership challenges unique to this field.
As reported by lavieeco.com.
