CyberSafe Foundation is once again taking bold steps to bridge the digital divide and empower women in cybersecurity, as it announces the reopening of applications for its transformative API Academy Training Program this October.
Known for driving purposeful inclusion across Africa’s digital landscape, the Foundation is expanding the reach of its CyberSafe API Security Training, a 12-week intensive program designed to equip aspiring cybersecurity professionals with the critical skills needed to secure Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), one of today’s most vital components of digital systems.
In this next cohort, CyberSafe Foundation will open its doors beyond its CyberGirls Alumni Community, welcoming women aged 20 to 40 from anywhere in the world who are passionate about mastering API security.
Speaking on the new phase, Confidence Staveley, Executive Director of CyberSafe Foundation, emphasized the program’s global vision: “This October, our API Academy will reopen, and for the first time, we’re inviting women from across the world, not just our alumni, to join this journey. We’re building a future where women are not only skilled but empowered to lead innovation in securing APIs across industries.”
The program offers an immersive curriculum, covering everything from API fundamentals and authentication techniques to OWASP API Security Top 10, encryption, penetration testing, and even LLM/NLP API security. Through expert-led sessions, technical labs, and real-world tasks, participants gain hands-on experience and the confidence to thrive in global cybersecurity roles.
Staveley reflected on the impact of previous cohorts, revealing powerful transformation stories. “One participant, initially working in a GRC role, was assigned to test a web application with API calls. Thanks to our training, she identified multiple vulnerabilities that her company has since remediated. Others have grown from beginners to experts and even shifted their careers into API security.”
The Academy’s high standards ensure every participant is fully engaged, submitting weekly technical reports and solving complex security challenges.
For Damilola Abiona, CyberSafe Trainer and CyberGirls Alumna, the journey has been equally rewarding: “Watching women evolve from limited security knowledge to confident vulnerability hunters in just 12 weeks shows the power of structured, hands-on learning. This program is breaking barriers and positioning Africa as a hub for the next generation of API security leaders.”
CyberSafe Foundation’s broader mission continues through other flagship initiatives like:
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CyberGirls Fellowship – A free, year-long cybersecurity training and mentorship program that has empowered over 1,500 women across 27 African countries.
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PCI DSS Academy – A specialized bootcamp helping businesses and professionals achieve and maintain global payment security standards.
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HerAI Fellowship – Equipping 5,000 underserved women with cutting-edge skills in AI and cybersecurity to close gender and opportunity gaps.
Since its inception in 2019, CyberSafe Foundation has reached over 20 million people through campaigns, trained 4,000 SMEs, and upskilled 17,000 women and girls. Its blend of innovation, advocacy, and hands-on training continues to make it a driving force in Africa’s digital transformation.
With the API Academy reopening this October, CyberSafe Foundation is reaffirming its mission, building a safe, inclusive, and resilient digital future where women lead the charge in cybersecurity excellence.
Details on the application process will soon be announced on the Foundation’s official platforms.
