Zimbabwe and Russia Officially Launch Selection for National Cybersecurity Training Programme

Zimbabwe and Russia Officially Launch Selection for National Cybersecurity Training Programme. Zimbabwe today celebrated a landmark achievement in its digital transformation journey with the official launch of the Selection for National Cybersecurity Training Programme powered by Cyberus Foundation, a collaborative initiative aimed at equipping the nation’s youth with cutting-edge cybersecurity skills. The event took place at the prestigious Palm Court, Hyatt Regency Harare – The Meikles Hotel, and was attended by diplomatic, government, and private sector representatives.

The event was co-hosted by Cyberus , an International Cybersecurity Development Foundation, KOMIB  (Centre for Coordination of Public-Private Partnerships in International Information Security, Russia, established with the support of the Security Council of the Russian Federation to increase the effectiveness of public-private partnership in international cybersecurity economic activity); and their exclusive local partner Red Zone Digital.

It was officially opened by the Honourable Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services (MICTPCS ) Hon. T. Mavetera. Following the arrival of the Honourable Minister of ICTPCS and officials from the Embassy of the Russian Federation, attendees rose for the national anthems of Zimbabwe and Russia, a symbolic gesture of unity in the face of shared digital threats.

A series of keynote addresses followed, beginning with Mr. Dmitry Grigoriev, Director General of KOMIB, who highlighted the global importance of cybersecurity preparedness. He was followed by Mr. Sergey Andreev, Managing Partner at Cyberus, who stressed the strategic value of Africa in the digital economy and the role Zimbabwe can play as a continental cybersecurity leader. An official from the Russian Embassy, then gave remarks reinforcing the long-standing relationship between the two countries and expressing strong support for knowledge-sharing in the cybersecurity domain.

A live demonstration of AI-powered Cybersecurity Training Platform by Cyberus Foundation showcased immersive training simulations designed to prepare learners for real-world cyber threats. The platform combines advanced AI, gamified learning, and scenario-based assessments to deliver hands-on, world-class digital security education.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICTPCS introduced the Honourable Minister of ICT Hon. T. Mavetera, who in turn delivered her keynote address. The Minister emphasized that the programme represents a strategic step in realizing Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). She affirmed the government’s commitment to building national cyber capacity and positioning Zimbabwe as a hub of innovation and digital security excellence in the region.

A key announcement of the day was that the launch of selection of Zimbabwean students to the programme starts later this year. Scholars will get access to training in cybersecurity fundamentals, ethical hacking, digital forensics, threat detection, and AI-driven security solutions. Students will also take part in CTF tournaments and other cybersecurity competitions.

Top-performing students will have an opportunity to join the National Cybersecurity Training Programme, which will lay the foundation of a sovereign cybersecurity industry, with education as its cornerstone. The initiative will help nurture young talent and train skilled ICT professionals equipped to meet the challenges of the digital era. The next step in establishing the industry will be the establishment of a national cybersecurity assessment system that will continuously evaluate the level of protection of local companies and Zimbabwe’s critical information infrastructure. The assessment will be carried out by the graduates of the Training Programme.

The programme culminated in the official launch ceremony presided over by the Honourable Minister and the Ambassador of the Russian Federation. Together, they unveiled the Selection for Training Programme powered by Cyberus Foundation, symbolizing a new era of bilateral cooperation and strategic investment in Zimbabwe’s digital future.