In Africa, parity for women in technology-related fields and positions is still far from a reality with female representation in cybersecurity-related professions particularly limited. Reports estimate that only 9% of cybersecurity professionals across the continent were women, significantly lower than the global average of 25%.
This is according to Charmaine Houvet, senior director of government strategy and policy at Cisco Africa, citing a recent study conducted by Cisco, in collaboration with Access Partnership, the Centre for Human Rights, and the University of Pretoria. The findings reveal that unless the digital gender gap is addressed, the continent is unlikely to mitigate mounting cybersecurity challenges and enhance the resilience of digital ecosystems.
An influx of cybercrime is hindering progress
The number of cybersecurity professionals in Africa is severely lagging with Nigeria having only 8,352 and South Africa only 57 269 in comparison to 482 985 in the US in 2023. This is why increasing gender diversity is critical to harnessing the full potential of talent, driving innovation, and improving overall cyber security postures.
“Africa has a distinct set of cybersecurity challenges that require a targeted approach,” explains Houvet. “As cyber threats escalate in complexity, women have the potential to introduce diverse perspectives and a different approach to problem-solving that can be essential to developing innovative cybersecurity strategies.
However, according to a World Economic Forum report the skills development rate reflects that gender parity is projected to take five more generations. With cybercrime having slashed the continent’s GDP by over 10% ($4,12-billion) in 2021, Africa can’t afford to delay in bringing equity into the fray.”
Bridging the skills gap
Education plays a fundamental role in the digital progression of women. Considering Africa’s growing youth population and that 60% will be under the age of 25 by 2050, collaborations between private sector organisations and institutions of higher learning are crucial to equipping professionals with relevant skills. This holds employment benefits for students and enhances universities’ reputations for producing job-ready graduates
Houvet points out that “while pockets of progress do exist, significant gender gaps remain in key areas such as STEM skills, for example, which require urgent intervention as men fill more and more technical roles.” In South Africa, only 13% of STEM field graduates are women, as are only 38% of tertiary graduates in ICT programmes. Females hold a mere 25% of technical roles in large tech companies.
“Addressing these gaps will require a multi-pronged approach that includes initiatives that introduce specialised STEM education programmes that will empower women to excel in digital professions. Cisco Networking Academy has provided a diverse range of IT and cybersecurity courses that have empowered over 1,5-million learners in Africa including over 460 000 women, as well as set a goal to train 3-million more on the continent.”
Collaboration for a secure digital future
Partnerships between the public and private sectors are essential. “The public sector, with its broad reach and policy-making capabilities, can establish frameworks and funding that prioritise women’s access to digital education,” Houvet elaborates. “The private sector, with its resources, expertise, and ability to scale initiatives effectively, brings innovation and practical expertise that ensures programmes are aligned with the demands of the digital economy.
“For example, in 2023 Cisco Country Digital Acceleration collaborated with the pan-African business incubator WomHub, an ecosystem builder that advances gender equality and women in STEM. The initiative aims at advancing market access and exposure in the technology sector by providing Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises with access to business mentoring, incubation, and education opportunities.
“By eliminating gender bias in an economy that is becoming increasingly digital, we are securing Africa’s cyber resilience, which is a crucial caveat in safeguarding the country’s digital transformation potential. The cybersecurity exposure that is measured and recorded today demands immediate action. This action must include giving women a seat at the table with the relevant skills to catalyse inclusive and sustainable growth,” concludes Houvet.