Standard Chartered in partnership with @iLabAfrica Strathmore University has unveiled the second cohort of the Women in Cyber Mentorship Program, a hybrid initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of female cybersecurity leaders across East Africa.
Delivered through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions, the program will pair mentees with industry experts, provide hands-on technical and soft skills training, and offer Continuous Professional Development (CPD) credits.
Cybersecurity talent remains scarce worldwide where women hold 22 per cent of roles in the profession, while an estimated 2.5 million positions remain unfilled globally.
Africa accounts for fewer than 300,000 cybersecurity professionals, leaving organisations exposed to rising digital threats. "Digital adoption is accelerating across East Africa, but inclusive growth will stall if half the population remains under-represented in cybersecurity. By investing in mentorship, we are tackling both the skills gap and the diversity gap - ensuring women have the expertise and confidence to lead secure digital transformation," said Jaine Mwai, Chief Technology and Operations Officer, Standard Chartered.
