07/03/2025
The African Cybersmart Network, in collaboration with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Regional), has launched a cybersecurity capacity-building and training programme for civil society organisations (CSOs) and the media in Southern Africa.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the British High Commission in South African(UK in South Africa), CyberCivil Southern Africa is a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance digital resilience among CSOs. The programme provides training and mentorship to CSO practitioners and journalists, equipping them with the skills to develop and implement cybersecurity strategies within their organisations.
As human rights defenders, journalists, and activists increasingly rely on digital tools to advance democracy, gender equality, and anti-corruption efforts, they face growing cyber threats, including hacking, data breaches, surveillance, and targeted harassment. Many CSOs, particularly those engaged in sensitive advocacy work, lack the resources and expertise to protect themselves from these risks.
CyberCivil Southern Africa seeks to bridge this gap by providing specialised cybersecurity training tailored to high-risk civil society groups, including journalists, human rights defenders, democracy activists, women’s rights advocates, and LGBTQI activists. The programme empowers participants with the tools and strategies needed to secure their digital infrastructure, safeguard sensitive information, and mitigate cyber risks effectively.
Spanning three months, the programme engages CSOs from seven English-speaking Southern African countries: Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
This week, 14 participants gathered in Johannesburg for a cybersecurity training workshop, delivered in partnership with the CyberPeace Institute, marking the programme’s official launch.
