Standard Chartered, in partnership with @iLabAfrica Strathmore University, today launched the second cohort of the Women in Cyber Mentorship Programme. This is a hybrid initiative equips early career women across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania with the technical expertise. In addition to leadership skills and professional credentials needed to thrive in cybersecurity.
Digital adoption in East Africa is accelerating, yet women still hold only 22 percent of global cybersecurity roles. Africa as a whole counts fewer than 300,000 cybersecurity professionals leaving organisations exposed to rising cyber threats. By building a robust pipeline of female talent, the programme tackles two critical challenges at once. Closing the region’s 2.5 million-person cyber skills gap and ensuring that digital transformation is truly inclusive.
“Inclusive growth will stall if half the population is under-represented in cybersecurity.” Said Jaine Mwai, Chief Technology & Operations Officer, Standard Chartered Kenya. “Through mentorship we are narrowing both the skills gap and the diversity gap. Empowering women with the expertise and confidence to lead secure digital change.”
Programme Highlights
Hybrid learning: A mix of in-person workshops and virtual sessions delivers hands-on technical labs, soft-skills masterclasses and fireside chats with global experts.
One-to-one mentorship: Industry professionals, including male allies, pair with each participant and guide them on career advancement and leadership growth.
Recognised credentials: Every completed module earns Continuous Professional Development [CPD] hours, giving mentees a portable, industry-standard record of competence.
Regional networking: Forums connect participants with regulators, private-sector employers and academia, expanding professional networks and job opportunities.
Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Engineer Dr Julius Butime, Dean of the School of Computing at Strathmore University, noted:
“Graduating 76 women in our inaugural cohort was a milestone for inclusivity in cybersecurity. By blending academic excellence with personalised mentorship, we are cultivating a generation of skilled professionals ready to strengthen East Africa’s digital resilience.”
Today’s launch, held at Standard Chartered’s Nairobi head office under the theme “Collaboration and Partnerships – Women in Cybersecurity,” brought together policymakers, industry leaders and academics, showing the shared responsibility to secure the region’s digital future.
