Nigeria’s digital economy has taken a significant step forward with a five-year partnership between ISACA, the global IT governance and cybersecurity body, and Ingryd Academy, a Nigeria-based technology training institute. The collaboration aims to train 10,000 aspiring professionals in key fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and IT audit, strengthening the country’s tech workforce at a time when demand for skilled talent is soaring.
Under the program, 2,000 students will be enrolled annually through Ingryd Academy. Participants will gain access to ISACA’s globally recognized Fundamentals courses, one-year student memberships, mentorship opportunities, and entry to workshops and conferences hosted by ISACA’s local chapters.
Tackling the Cybersecurity Skills Gap
This initiative comes as Africa’s digital economy, already valued at billions of dollars, faces a widening talent shortage—particularly in cybersecurity. With Nigeria home to over 100 million internet users, the stakes are high. Data breaches, cyberattacks, and the need for stronger IT audit frameworks have underscored the urgency of cultivating skilled professionals who can safeguard digital infrastructure.
The program not only addresses immediate workforce gaps but also lays the groundwork for Nigeria to emerge as a regional hub for cyber resilience and digital innovation.
Unlike short-term bootcamps, the ISACA–Ingryd partnership is structured to provide long-term impact. By combining academic training with global mentorship and real-world application, the program ensures students are not just learning technical theory but also applying skills in a professional context.
The emphasis on AI and IT audit alongside cybersecurity reflects a forward-looking approach. As organizations integrate AI systems into critical services, ensuring security, transparency, and compliance will be just as important as technical deployment.
Why This Matters Beyond Nigeria
The partnership highlights a broader truth: Africa’s digital growth depends on local capacity building. For governments, the move aligns with national agendas to expand digital literacy and boost cybersecurity. For startups and employers, it opens access to a larger pool of work-ready candidates.
Investors and development partners also stand to benefit. With Africa’s digital economy projected to grow exponentially, structured training models like this signal both stability and scalability for the sector.
If successful, the ISACA–Ingryd collaboration could serve as a model for other African nations grappling with similar workforce challenges. For Nigeria, it represents more than just a skills program—it is a strategic investment in digital sovereignty.
By 2030, the 10,000 professionals trained through this initiative could form the backbone of Nigeria’s cybersecurity and IT governance ecosystem. That, in turn, may help the country not only keep pace with global technological shifts but also set new standards for the region.
Talking Points
There’s a hard truth to confront: these training programs often prepare talent for outsourcing. Nigerian youth end up coding for Silicon Valley while Nigerian banks still run outdated systems. If this continues, Nigeria risks being just a talent farm for the West, rather than building local innovation powerhouses.
Let’s not forget that digital divides persist. If programs like this remain Lagos- or Abuja-centric, they will fail to address the inequality of access in rural Nigeria. If the digital economy is to work for Africa, then inclusion—women, rural youth, non-traditional learners—must be at the center.
This initiative is a wake-up call. Africa is at a crossroads: either we own the narrative of our digital future or we remain passive participants. Training is only one piece of the puzzle. We need policy reforms, digital rights protections, infrastructure, and funding for local startups. Without that, Africa’s digital economy will forever lag behind.
