The initiative, led by the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA) in partnership with Cisco and German development agency GIZ, is based at the University of Rwanda's College of Science and Technology. It includes a Cybersecurity Academy, Innovation Hub, and advanced technology labs to provide training, research, and collaboration in cybersecurity.
The CyberHub will offer access to Cisco Networking Academy, a global IT skills-to-jobs program, with courses ranging from basic digital literacy to AI, penetration testing, ethical hacking, and advanced cybersecurity certifications.
The centre also provides a collaborative space for learners and stakeholders to explore emerging technologies, including AI and machine learning applications for threat detection and response.
Addressing a critical skills gap
Globally, there are an estimated four million unfilled cybersecurity positions, with Africa facing a particularly acute shortage. Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire said the centre's initial target of training 200 professionals is a starting point toward closing this gap.
'Our job is not just for the training. How do we connect them to jobs and opportunities? How do we make sure that we are creating businesses that thrive?" the minister stated during the launch.
Partnerships and technology
Cisco provided networking equipment, AI-driven security systems, collaboration platforms, and IoT sensors to make the facility fully connected. Conrad Stein, Cisco's Country Digital Acceleration leader for Africa, said the hub aims to empower young people, women, and underserved communities with the skills needed to secure digital infrastructure and create economic opportunities.
Dima Kandalaft, senior director at Cisco, described the centre as one of the most advanced on the continent and said it will serve as a platform for both cybersecurity training and broader technological innovation.
Supporting Rwanda's digital ambitions
The CyberHub aligns with Rwanda's National Strategy for Transformation, which aims to raise digital literacy from 53% to 100% and train one million coders. University of Rwanda Principal Dr. Ignace Gatare praised the hub for promoting practical skills and research, while Silvia Heer of the German Embassy highlighted its role in supporting national digital security as part of Rwanda's broader development agenda.
The centre is also part of Cisco's Country Digital Acceleration programme, which has implemented over 1,600 projects globally, supporting digital skills, innovation, and secure technology ecosystems.
Minister Ingabire said the long-term goal is to ensure that Rwanda and the wider continent have a workforce capable of anticipating, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity threats.
'The weakest link always in cybersecurity is often people. And if we're not training people to match the technology investments that we're making, we leave a huge gap and space for where many of the attackers will take advantage of the weaknesses and the weakest links that we have.'
Wycliffe Nyamasege
