Google Cloud launches cybersecurity trainings in South Africa
Cybersecurity is a growing and crucial issue for African nations. Nearly 90% of organizations said they experienced at least one security breach in the past year, according to a 2024 study by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Of those organizations, 90% said they were targeted multiple times. Meanwhile, the report also found that 63% of cybersecurity jobs in South Africa are either partially or fully unfilled.
To help close that gap, today Google Cloud and National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA) are introducing new learning opportunities with a Google Cybersecurity Upskilling Initiative. Google Cloud is providing the opportunity for up to 12,000 students to achieve the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, helping to build a strong cybersecurity workforce and equip job seekers with affordable paths to careers in cybersecurity, cyber-defense, information security analysis, and in Security Operations Centers (SOC).
Participation requires no prior experience and is aimed at preparing learners for in-demand, entry-level cybersecurity jobs, while also helping address cybersecurity workforce gaps. Enrollment is open until March 15.
The program is part of Google’s $1 billion commitment in Africa to help boost the continent’s digital transformation, recognizing that key drivers of Africa’s growth will include investing in infrastructure, nurturing the growing tech talent pool, and enabling a vibrant startup ecosystem.
Another key part of this investment is to help upskill the local workforce. In partnership with the Department for Public Service and Administration, we are also opening opportunities for 1,000 national and local public service employees, government officials, and civil servants to enhance their careers in cloud security with the Google Cloud Cybersecurity Skills Boost certificate.
The course teaches the fundamentals of cloud computing, including modules on risk management, threat and vulnerability management, incident mitigation and recovery, and offers hands-on training with Google Cloud tools. The course can take between three and six months to complete. It’s available to South African public service employees with a high school education and familiarity with basic concepts of IT, and enables professional development as Google Cloud security analysts.
Both initiatives are designed and taught by Google experts, aligning with Google Cloud's commitment to enhancing cybersecurity protection around the world.
“Empowering young minds with cybersecurity knowledge is not just an investment in their future, but in the safety and security of our digital world. Through the collaborative initiative of NEMISA, Google Cloud, and Coursera, we are providing free certification training that opens doors to new opportunities while fostering an online environment for all,” said Mondli Gungubele, member of parliament and deputy minister, Communications and Digital Technologies, South Africa.
“By equipping every public servant with foundational digital and cybersecurity knowledge, we ensure that our transformation is secure, resilient, and grounded in accountability. Looking ahead, this collaboration exemplifies the best of public-private partnership. Google Cloud’s expertise and commitment to community-oriented solutions links with our dedication to professionalisation,” said Mzamo Buthelezi, minister, Public Service and Administration, South Africa.
Google cybersecurity training can help promote a secure and resilient digital economy for South Africa that is better equipped to combat malicious cyber activity, including cybercrime. The Cybersecurity Upskilling Initiative for South Africa by Google Cloud builds on our previous South African investments, including the Johannesburg Cloud region in South Africa to enable businesses across the continent gain access to high-performance, secure, and low-latency cloud services.
To learn more about our investments in Africa, please visit Google Africa blog.
