Ten women working in cybersecurity across Africa have received fellowships covering four SANS courses and two GIAC certification pathways, with training focused on defending generative AI applications and using AI to automate security operations.
SANS is providing the training and certification support at no cost to recipients, while CyberSafe Foundation will provide mentorship throughout the programme.
Orientation is scheduled for 21 October 2026, with coursework beginning on 26 October. Participants are expected to complete the programme by 30 July 2027.
Applicants were required to have at least three years of hands-on cybersecurity experience, but previous experience in artificial intelligence was not required.
The fellowship expands a partnership piloted in 2025, when 10 CyberGirls alumni from Nigeria, Kenya and Zimbabwe received SANS training and support toward one GIAC certification.
The new programme extends beyond the CyberSafe alumni network and covers areas including AI fundamentals, securing connections between AI models and internal records, application security and security automation.
The initiative comes as organisations across sub-Saharan Africa continue to face cybersecurity skills shortages. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026, 63% of organisations surveyed in the region reported lacking critical people and skills needed to meet their cybersecurity objectives.
The fellowship combines technical training, industry certification and mentorship, with a focus on preparing experienced cybersecurity professionals to address emerging security challenges linked to artificial intelligence.
