CyberSafe and SANS Awarded AI Security Fellowships
Ten cybersecurity professionals in Africa have received training to address technical workforce gaps.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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The CyberSafe Foundation and SANS Institute have awarded ten AI security fellowships to women working in cybersecurity across Africa. The initiative provides access to specialized technical training and certifications to help meet the growing demand for AI-focused security skills.
Why it matters
This program addresses a significant regional shortage of specialized talent needed to secure artificial intelligence systems. It aims to bridge the gap between rapidly evolving security requirements and the available workforce in the African technology sector.
Fellows receive a four-course curriculum through SANS OnDemand, a self-paced learning platform, alongside two Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) credentials. Eligibility required a minimum of three years of professional cybersecurity experience.
The players
CyberSafe Foundation
A nonprofit established in 2019 that develops talent and closes workforce gaps for women in the African cybersecurity sector.
SANS Institute
A research and training organization that provides cybersecurity curriculum and GIAC certification programs.
The details
The program utilizes a structured, self-paced learning model where participants progress through security courses sequentially. Mentors from the CyberSafe Foundation provide support during the coursework and throughout the certification process. The curriculum focuses on AI-specific security frameworks to ensure professionals can manage threats in emerging technical environments.
Timeline
The CyberSafe Foundation was established in 2019.
A pilot fellowship model launched in 2025.
The AI Security Fellowship program was officially announced on September 29, 2026.
Training for the current cohort begins on October 21, 2026.
The training period concludes on July 30, 2027.
The Tech Race
This fellowship follows the expansion strategy established by the CyberGirls+ fellowship program. The initiative directly scales the foundation's prior work by moving from general cybersecurity training into specialized AI security disciplines.
Ten selected professionals will gain advanced technical credentials over the nine-month program. The initiative serves as a model for how workforce development programs can be tailored to meet the specific security demands of emerging AI deployments.
The takeaway
The fellowship provides a concrete benchmark for skill development by requiring the completion of two GIAC certifications by July 2027. Future efforts will depend on whether organizations utilize the SANS partnership portal to fund subsequent training cohorts.
What happens next
Organizations interested in funding future cohorts can register their interest through the SANS partnership portal.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry trends in the Artificial Intelligence section.
More information
To review fellowship opportunities and corporate partnership details, visit the SANS Institute partnership portal.
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