Applications open for Cyber4Africa Programme

The programme focuses on Healthcare and Digital Health, Fintech and Financial Services, Govtech and Civic Technology, Energy and Climate Technology, and AI Infrastructure and Data Platforms. These sectors have significant cybersecurity exposure where security failures can affect users, institutions, critical infrastructure, and public trust.

The initiative aims to equip African AI startups with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to build secure and resilient products from the outset. By integrating cybersecurity into the innovation process, the programme seeks to help startups establish trust, strengthen operational resilience, and improve their readiness for growth and collaboration.

The programme also supports the development of cybersecurity and AI safety skills that are increasingly important across Africa’s growing AI ecosystem. Participants will gain practical knowledge that can help them protect sensitive data, strengthen institutional partnerships, and enhance their credibility with investors, regulators, and procurement partners.

There is no funding amount specified under the Cyber4Africa Programme. Instead, selected startups will receive cybersecurity assessments, advisory services, technical support, and specialized training throughout the six-month programme.

To be eligible, applicants must be African AI startups with an AI-enabled product, platform, or service at MVP stage or beyond. They should operate in environments with meaningful cybersecurity exposure, handle sensitive personal, financial, or operational data, and build solutions within one or more of the programme’s priority sectors. Eligible startups must be based in Africa or develop solutions for African markets and should have the capacity to actively participate during the entire six-month programme period.

For more information, visit AI Hub for Sustainable Development.