This significant move, revealed on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, signals a major new phase of U.S.–Africa collaboration centered on digital transformation and skills development across the continent.
Cybastion, a leading cybersecurity and digital solutions firm, has announced the expansion of its flagship Africa DigiEmpower initiative into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This significant move, revealed on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, signals a major new phase of U.S.–Africa collaboration centered on digital transformation and skills development across the continent.
The formal launch took place at the Cisco New York office, where Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed by key partners: H.E. Grâce Kutino, Minister of Youth of the DRC; Dr. Thierry Wandji Ketchiozo, CEO of Cybastion; and Macy Andrew, Vice President of Cisco. These agreements officially pave the way for the Africa DigiEmpower training programs to begin operations across the country.
Africa DigiEmpower is a continent-wide digital workforce initiative designed to equip young people and women with essential, advanced digital skills. The program offers free, accredited technical courses through the Cisco Networking Academy in high-demand fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Digital Infrastructure.
The training program is administered by Cybastion’s non-profit organization, THEYA Foundation. The foundation works with local partners, leveraging the U.S. Department of State’s American Spaces and educational partners, and using mobile caravans to deliver trainings and tech camps. This strategy is critical for expanding access to the digital education beyond major cities and into underserved communities.
By introducing DigiEmpower to the DRC, Cybastion and its partners aim to achieve key developmental goals: building local capacity, accelerating the secure adoption of digital services, and equipping participants with the necessary skills to effectively compete in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.
