The Cyber4Africa Programme 2026 is now open to African AI startups. Applications close on 8 June 2026. This six-month programme supports startups that want to strengthen cyber resilience through assessment, training, capacity building, and technical support.
The programme focuses on startups working in healthcare and digital health, fintech and financial services, govtech and civic technology, energy and climate technology, and AI infrastructure and data platforms. In addition, selected participants will access remote and in-person learning opportunities, including Cisco’s Cybersecurity Training Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: 8 June 2026
Eligible Countries: Eligible applicants must be based in Africa and actively working on AI-driven solutions.
Program Duration: 6 months
Program Location: African startups; remote and in-person components including access to Cisco’s Cybersecurity Training Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
Funding/Benefits: Structured cybersecurity assessment and prioritised action plan; expert-led remote and in-person training; hands-on technical and operational support; access to Cisco’s Cybersecurity Training Centre in Nairobi; community of African AI founders.
Award Provider: The AI Hub for Sustainable Development
About this Program
Cyber4Africa is designed for African AI startups at MVP stage or beyond. It helps founders improve their technical and operational security posture while building trust with users, institutional partners, investors, and regulators.
Over six months, participants receive tailored support based on their technology stack and sector context. As a result, startups can better protect products, sensitive data, and key partnerships.
Eligibility Criteria
- Have an AI-enabled product, platform, or service at MVP stage or beyond
- Operate in environments with meaningful cybersecurity exposure
- Handle sensitive personal, financial, or operational data
- Are building in one or more of the programme’s five priority sectors
- Are Africa-based or building solutions for African markets
- Have the capacity to actively participate throughout the six-month programme
What Fellows Receive: Participants receive a structured cybersecurity assessment and a prioritised action plan tailored to their technology stack and sector context. They also gain expert-led training, hands-on technical and operational support, access to Cisco’s Nairobi Training Centre, and a community of African AI founders.
Program Components Cybersecurity assessment, prioritised action planning, remote and in-person training, capacity building, technical support, and operational security support throughout the six-month programme.
How to Apply
Interested startups should complete the online application form before the deadline. However, applicants should review the official programme page carefully for full guidance and updates.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
