How to close the gender gap for cybersecurity professionals in Africa

In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Zama Ngwenya, Rwanda Country President at Circle of Global Business Women, shed light on the gender gap in cybersecurity professionals in Africa. According to the Afrobarometer report, only 9% of cybersecurity professionals in Africa are female, signaling a significant lack of representation for women in this critical field. Ngwenya emphasized the importance of bridging this gap and empowering women to take on leadership roles in the tech industry. She highlighted the Female Boardroom Readiness program, which equips women with essential skills to break down barriers and become voices of change at decision-making levels. Ngwenya also underlined the role of individual empowerment, citing organizations like EduClick that offer free online skills to women as a step towards success in the tech space. Ngwenya acknowledged the promising economic potential of empowering women in cybersecurity, noting the significant number of unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally and the industry's projected growth to $140 billion by the next year. She shared insights into partnerships and initiatives aimed at training women in cybersecurity, such as the collaboration with Africa Productivity Specialist to train 40 women in the field. However, Ngwenya pointed out existing gaps in funding for women-led tech companies and a lack of knowledge about technology and the Fourth Industrial Revolution among policymakers. Discussing the economic impacts of gender equality and women's participation in cybersecurity, Ngwenya stressed the potential for women to contribute significantly to GDP and community development. She highlighted the role of countries like Rwanda and South Africa in driving gender equality initiatives, with Rwanda leading in female parliamentary representation and South Africa implementing policies to prioritize giving contracts to women. Looking towards the future, Ngwenya expressed optimism about the increasing representation of women in leadership positions, both in tech companies and corporate settings. She cited examples of female CEOs and government officials in African countries, indicating a positive trend towards greater gender diversity and inclusion. Despite challenges such as limited internet access for African women compared to men, Ngwenya envisioned a future where more women would lead and excel in various sectors, including cybersecurity and technology. As Africa continues its journey towards gender equality and empowerment in cybersecurity, initiatives like the Female Boardroom Readiness program and strategic partnerships are poised to play a crucial role in closing the gender gap and unlocking the potential of women in the tech industry. With concerted efforts and investments, the vision of a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity landscape in Africa is within reach.