A new regional center designed to strengthen cybersecurity readiness and advanced cyber defense capabilities across West and Central Africa
News Summary:
- New facility houses a Security Operations Center and serves as a regional center for cybersecurity training and dedicated defense for the country’s infrastructure.
- Expands on the memorandum of understanding signed in October 2025 between Cybastion, the Government of Côte d'Ivoire’s Ministry of Women, Family and Children, and Cisco.
- Builds on the Africa DigiEmpower program supported by the THEYA Foundation, which will equip 200,000 learners in Côte d’Ivoire with cybersecurity, networking, and AI skills by 2030 through Cisco Networking Academy.
ABIDJAN, CÔTE D'IVOIRE, NOVEMBER 5, 2026 —U.S. tech leader Cybastion today announced the launch of the Cisco Cybersecurity Center at Cybastion in Abidjan. This center serves West and Central Africa and combines robust cybersecurity capabilities, technology demonstrations, and digital skills training in one place.
Managed and operated by Cybastion, the new facility delivers on a collaborative initiative formalized between Cisco, Cybastion, and the Government of Cote d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Women, Family and Children, which aims to make cybersecurity certification training a catalyst for workforce development and economic growth.
The Cisco Cybersecurity Center at Cybastion will serve as a regional hub to support the Government of Côte d’Ivoire’s cybersecurity readiness, while serving as a regional center of excellence for cybersecurity training and workforce development. The facility houses a Security Operations Center (SOC) to monitor digital systems for potential threats and a Security Incident Response Team to investigate and respond to cybersecurity incidents.
For Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, the initiative will help strengthen national capabilities and reinforce Côte d’Ivoire’s position within the regional cybersecurity ecosystem.
“This center strengthens both our resilience against cyberthreats and our ability to develop specialized skills. It also advances our ambition to position Côte d’Ivoire as a cybersecurity center of expertise serving West and Central Africa,” he said.
Through the Cisco Networking Academy, Cisco has equipped more than 3.3 million learners across Africa with digital skills over 25 years, supported by its Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, active in seven African countries.
Building on this impact, the Africa DigiEmpower program, a partnership between Cisco, Cybastion, and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, aims to train 200,000 young people and women across 10 regions in cybersecurity, networking, and AI by 2030, building on training activities held at U.S. Embassy American Spaces across Côte d’Ivoire over the past two summers. The Africa DigiEmpower program is delivered by the THEYA Foundation, Cybastion’s philanthropic organization, in Cote d’Ivoire and several African countries.
“Training women and young people in cybersecurity means strengthening their empowerment and their contribution to our country’s digital transformation,” said Nassénéba Touré, Minister of Women, Family and Children.
“World-class infrastructure will lay the foundation for Africa’s digital future, but realizing its full potential will require people with the skills to operate it, secure it, and innovate on it,” said Fran Katsoudas, EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer at Cisco. “With one of the world’s youngest populations, Africa has an extraordinary source of talent, energy, and ingenuity to shape what comes next. This center will help equip the next generation with the digital and cybersecurity skills needed to support a more connected, more secure Africa.”
Cybastion delivers large-scale digital transformation projects across Africa by integrating secure digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, e-government solutions, reliable energy, and workforce development to help countries build resilient, sovereign digital economies.
"As African countries rapidly digitize their operations and move toward an AI-powered digital economy, they need cyber defense capability close to them, staffed by teams who understand their operating environment," said Dr. Thierry Wandji, President and CEO of Cybastion. "With support from the Ivorian government and incorporating Cisco technology, Cybastion is bringing cyber defense and incident response capabilities to Côte d'Ivoire and the region, alongside a structured pathway into careers in the profession.”
“The U.S. private sector is booming, and the opening of Abidjan’s new cybersecurity center demonstrates the dynamism of American companies in Côte d’Ivoire,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Junaid Munir. “American cybersecurity companies are leading the way in delivering the advanced technologies and expertise that support secure, modern digital economies. We welcome the Ivoirian government’s growing partnerships with American businesses, which create jobs in both countries. The United States is committed to remaining Côte d’Ivoire’s commercial partner of choice.”
ENDS
About Cybastion
Cybastion is an American technology company that delivers world-class digital, cybersecurity, and infrastructure solutions to accelerate digital transformation in Africa. Our mission is to build secure, resilient, and sovereign digital ecosystems that drive innovation, growth, and prosperity.
Media Contacts:
Shanta Bryant Gyan, Cybastion Communications (EN); email : sbgyan@cybastiontech.com
Leila Avoce, Cybastion Communications (bilingual); email: lavoce@cybastiontech.com
