Caption: Engineer Dr Julius Butime, Dean School of Computing, Strathmore University and Nivedita Sharma- Board Member Kenya, Standard Chartered Kenya.
The initiative will equip early-career women in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania with world-class technical training, mentorship and CPD-recognised learning.
21 May 2025, Nairobi, Kenya – Standard Chartered in partnership with @iLabAfrica – Strathmore University today unveiled the second cohort of the Women in Cyber Mentorship Programme, a hybrid initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of female cybersecurity leaders across East Africa. Delivered through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions, the programme will pair mentees with industry experts, provide hands-on technical and soft skills training, and offer Continuous Professional Development (CPD) credits.
Cybersecurity talent remains scarce worldwide: women hold 22 per cent of roles in the profession, while an estimated 2.5 million positions remain unfilled globally. Africa accounts for fewer than 300,000 cybersecurity professionals, leaving organisations exposed to rising digital threats.
“Digital adoption is accelerating across East Africa, but inclusive growth will stall if half the population remains under-represented in cybersecurity. By investing in mentorship, we are tackling both the skills gap and the diversity gap – ensuring women have the expertise and confidence to lead secure digital transformation,” said Jaine Mwai, Chief Technology and Operations Officer, Standard Chartered.
The Women in Cyber Mentorship Programme is tailored for early-career women in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania who have an interest in cybersecurity. Participants will benefit from a curated online learning platform that includes technical modules, soft skills courses, and fireside chats with global cybersecurity experts. They will also be matched with a mentor network comprising experienced cyber professionals, including male allies, who will offer guidance on career development and leadership growth. Every completed session contributes to participants’ Continuous Professional Development (CPD) hours, providing recognised industry-standard competence. In addition, the programme will offer valuable networking opportunities through regional forums that connect mentees with regulators, private-sector employers and academic institutions.
The Dean of the School of Computing at Strathmore University, Engineer Dr. Julius Butime, stated,
“Graduating 76 women in the inaugural cohort marked a significant milestone in our journey toward greater inclusivity in the cybersecurity field.
He added, “As cyber risk becomes a collective concern, our approach to capacity building must grow in depth and scope. By blending academic excellence with one-on-one mentorship, we are cultivating a strong pipeline of skilled and confident cybersecurity professionals— individuals who are ready to lead and strengthen digital resilience across the East African region.”
The launch event, themed “Collaboration and Partnerships – Women in Cybersecurity,” gathered policymakers, industry leaders and academia at Standard Chartered’s Head Office in Nairobi, underscoring the collective responsibility to build a secure digital future for the region.
Applications open today via https://womenincybersec.strathmore.edu/ and close on June 30 2025. The cohort will comprise up to 100 mentees, with the first training sprint beginning in August