The Academy's Offerings
The Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence Academy is designed to equip individuals, organisations, and national institutions with the cybersecurity knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Accredited Training Programs
A portfolio of accredited cybersecurity courses designed to build technical and managerial skills. These programs cover core areas of the cybersecurity domain - ensuring participants gain recognised qualifications aligned with global standards.
Master Classes & Seminars
Specialised masterclasses delivered by leading experts, covering both foundational and advanced topics in cybersecurity, the intersection of cybersecurity and AI, cyber law, digital forensics and incident response (DFIR), and digital diplomacy. Tailored executive programs equip board members and senior leaders with the insights needed for strategic decision-making. Interactive workshops and webinars provide practical skills, hands-on learning, and exposure to real-world case studies.
Workshops, Cyber Drills & Simulations
Immersive, practice-oriented sessions that prepare participants for real-world challenges. These include hands-on labs, capture-the-flag (CTF) exercises, tabletop exercises, cyber drills, and live simulations — all designed to test readiness, build teamwork, and strengthen incident response capabilities.
Need more information on all our programs?
Get in touch to find out more about the Academy.
Contact UsQCTO Accredited Training Programs
CYBERSECURITY ANALYST
(Full qualification/Skills program)Cybersecurity Analysts apply the practice of protecting assets such as networks, computer systems and information assets from malicious attacks and threats. They assess and mitigate risks and potential intrusions and identify risks and vulnerabilities. They study existing techniques for managing security issues and maintaining the security of information and systems in the working environment, ensuring legal compliance.
On completion of this qualification, the learner will be able to demonstrate an understanding of and how to investigate cybersecurity issues and challenges as they affect the legal compliance, communities, society, the ICT sector, and the economy. The learner will understand how cybercrime can affect businesses causing disruption, how to respond effectively to incidences such as vulnerabilities testing and threats and how to analyse their consequences. The learner also evaluates efficient design of efficient security solutions and ensures compliance.
CYBERSECURITY DEFENDER
(Full qualification/Skills program)Cybersecurity Defenders are responsible for proactively protecting organisations’ systems from attacks, they are the first line of defence against cyberattacks, the first responders to cybersecurity breaches and are responsible for the hardening of the information systems of organisations ensuring compliance with legislation.
Cybersecurity Defenders are responsible for proactively protecting organisations’ systems from attacks, they are the first line of defence against cyberattacks, the first responders to cybersecurity breaches and are responsible for the hardening of the information systems of organisations ensuring compliance with legislation.
The tasks that the learner will be able to know, do and understand after achievement of the skills programme include:
- Detecting cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities in the cybersecurity posture of the organisation
- Defending against threats to ensure cybersecurity of the organisation
- Evaluating the security posture to enhance resilience
PROJECT MANAGER
(Full qualification/Skills program)A Project Manager applies knowledge of project management to achieve project objectives in a specific field of application.
Digital Diplomacy Masterclass
Digital Diplomacy in a Multi-Polar World: Navigating Technology, Power and Governance
This program builds the capacity of South African and regional government officials to understand and influence international digital governance. It recognizes that diplomacy now extends beyond traditional negotiations to include cyber norms, AI ethics, data flows, and standards-setting processes.
Participants will gain the knowledge and tools needed to align national interests with global digital policy developments and engage confidently in key multilateral forums—such as the UN, WTO, ILO, AU, and IGF. The program empowers African diplomats and policy leaders to move from reactive roles to shaping the global digital agenda.
2 day on site immersion
English
8 hours per day
Course Overview
The course is structured into nine targeted modules, each designed to progressively build upon the previous one, ensuring participants develop a cohesive and practical approach to the concept of Digital Diplomacy. The course has a practical element, based on case studies that complements the theoretical learnings.
Governments around the world are under growing pressure to deliver security and economic opportunity amid global uncertainty, economic downturns, and disruptive challenges such as pandemics. Traditional and emerging conflicts are becoming more complex, driven by geopolitical tensions, instability, and the spread of powerful technologies—including cyberweapons, artificial intelligence, and robotics—that can target critical infrastructure and threaten sovereignty.
The rise of digital technologies is also shifting the landscape of influence, expanding the role of non-state actors such as tech corporations and individuals in shaping global decisions. As a result, diplomacy must evolve. Citizens are demanding more responsive governance, placing public servants under pressure to be more capable, skilled, and agile in navigating this fast-changing environment.
Course Objectives
Upon completing this masterclass, participants will be able to:
- Understand key actors, processes, and institutions that shape digital governance at the global level
- Navigate multilateral and multi-stakeholder digital diplomacy forums
- Analyze how AI, cybersecurity, data flows, and standards intersect with diplomacy and national interests
- Formulate negotiation strategies and policy positions aligned with South Africa's and regional priorities
- Build cross-sectoral alliances to influence outcomes in international digital fora
Module Breakdown
Covers the transformation of diplomacy in the digital age and South Africa's evolving digital foreign policy agenda. Introduces the geopolitical implications of digital technologies and Africa's role in shaping a fair global digital order.
Explores the actors and venues where digital rules are made. Focuses on key forums such as the UN (OEWG, GGE, Cybercrime Committee), WTO (e-commerce negotiations), ILO (digital labour rights), ITU, ICANN, and ISO. Covers Africa's engagement in forums like the IGF, Smart Africa, and the AU Digital Strategy.
Unpacks the growing relevance of cyber stability, norms for state behaviour in cyberspace, and emerging instruments like the Malabo Convention, Budapest Convention, and the UN cyber norms processes. Includes analysis of multistakeholder responses to cybercrime and trust-building measures.
Introduces the governance of internet infrastructure and standards development bodies such as ICANN, IETF, IEEE, and W3C. Explores Africa's participation in technical standard-setting and the implications of protocol politics and digital sovereignty.
Provides an accessible overview of foundational emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, blockchain, quantum computing, 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Discusses how these technologies disrupt diplomacy, security, development, and governance; introduces their technical foundations and geopolitical implications; and explores global negotiations shaping their use and regulation.
Examines how diplomacy intersects with issues like data sovereignty, cross-border data flows, digital identity, AI ethics, and emerging rights (e.g., right to explanation). Focuses on the global divide in AI capabilities and Africa's advocacy for equitable AI governance.
Focuses on how digital diplomacy affects economic outcomes. Explores WTO e-commerce frameworks, AfcFTA digital protocols, UNCTAD's digital economy strategies, and the developmental implications of cross-border taxation, IP regimes, and fintech regulation.
Analyses how disinformation and digital media influence international relations and diplomacy. Covers soft power tools, strategic narratives, reputational risk, and the role of digital platforms in shaping perceptions.
A simulation-based module that enhances participants' skills in multilateral negotiation, alliance-building, and positioning within regional and international digital governance coalitions.
Cybersecurity Leadership Masterclass
Cybersecurity Leadership Masterclass: Leading Organisational Resilience
The Cybersecurity Leadership Masterclass is designed as an interdisciplinary course, focusing on management strategies, organisational governance, the technical elements that underpin the Cybersecurity discipline, security technologies, national policy and legislation, and standards. The course incorporates elements relevant to creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness and resilience and focuses on the developing relevant strategic responses to the security challenges posed to organisations in an increasingly complex digitally transforming environment.
The course is structured into nine targeted modules, each designed to progressively build upon the previous one, ensuring participants develop a cohesive and practical cybersecurity strategy tailored to their organisation's needs. The course has a strong practical element, that complements the theoretical learnings, and course participants will complete elements of an organisational strategy document, for which a template is provided - each module builds on the template.
The Cybersecurity Leadership Masterclass program emphasises the critical role of senior management and leadership in effectively managing cybersecurity threats and achieving organisational objectives related to information protection. Designed specifically for senior managers, CISOs, and executive leaders, the course delivers strategic insights into cybersecurity management within an organisational context. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of risk management, audit, governance structures, and compliance requirements, and explore how regulations influence legal responsibilities and liabilities.
Additionally, the program highlights the importance of robust continuity and disaster recovery planning, addresses economic considerations relevant to cybersecurity investments, and provides strategic guidance on building high-performing cybersecurity teams and leading effectively within complex cyber threat environments.
9 weeks (excluding orientation)
English
6-8 hours per week
One introductory online lecture per module, followed by one week of self-paced online learning per module
Course Objectives
- Participants will be able to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy aligned with organisational goals.
- Participants will understand the key principles of cybersecurity governance and how to implement them.
- Participants will learn the leadership skills necessary to champion and drive cybersecurity initiatives.
- Participants will gain knowledge and skills to build cybersecurity resilience within an organization.
Module Breakdown
This foundational module introduces participants to the core concepts that underpin the Cybersecurity domain including definitions, the evolving threat landscape, current trends, attack vectors, and emerging threats. It proceeds to align Cybersecurity with the business objectives and underscores the importance of identifying organisational, vision, mission, goals and priorities.
Building upon the foundations, this module delves into the strategic leadership responsibilities essential for effective cybersecurity governance.
Participants will explore high-level principles and frameworks for cybersecurity risk management. Risk management fundamentals: identifying, assessing, and mitigating cybersecurity risks
This module addresses the legal and regulatory environment that shapes cybersecurity strategy. Participants will gain strategic insights into relevant cybersecurity regulations and the importance of proactive compliance management.
This module provides senior leaders with a broad strategic perspective on essential cybersecurity concepts such as Defense-in-Depth and Zero Trust Architecture. It provides and overview of the tools and technologies deployed in the cybersecurity domain.
For those concerned with national security or essential services, this module focuses on the specific strategic considerations for protecting critical information infrastructure.
Participants will learn to strategically manage cybersecurity incidents, focusing on effective response planning, crisis management, business continuity, and recovery strategies.
This module addresses the strategic aspects of building effective cybersecurity teams and fostering an organizational culture that prioritizes cybersecurity awareness and continuous improvement.
This module focuses on strategically planning for and executing measures that enable an organization to withstand, recover from, and adapt to cyber disruptions, a crucial element of a robust cybersecurity strategy.
AI Masterclass for Business Leaders
The Governance of Artificial Intelligence
The Governance of Artificial Intelligence." This program is designed to help organizational leaders navigate the intricate landscape of AI. It begins by highlighting the urgent need for AI governance, given the vast opportunities and risks associated with this technology, and the current lack of adequate oversight. The masterclass argues that traditional IT governance frameworks are often insufficient for AI. It proposes an adaptive, integrated, and human-centered approach, stressing the importance of aligning AI initiatives with organizational strategy and managing AI-specific risks.
The course is structured into five targeted modules, each designed to progressively build upon the previous one, ensuring participants develop a cohesive and practical approach to emerging AI governance issues. The course has a practical element, based on case studies that complements the theoretical learnings...
By the end of this masterclass, participants will have a solid understanding of the core concepts of Artificial Intelligence and its strategic importance to modern business. They will be able to confidently navigate the dynamic and evolving landscape of AI-related laws, standards, and regulatory frameworks. The course will enable leaders to recognize the critical role of AI governance in driving responsible innovation and ensuring long-term value creation.
Participants will learn how to apply key principles to design and oversee governance frameworks that are tailored to the unique challenges of AI. They will be equipped to implement a risk-based approach, incorporating the identification, assessment, and mitigation of AI-specific risks into broader enterprise risk management processes. The program also guides leaders on how to integrate AI governance within existing corporate structures, aligning it with organizational strategy and oversight responsibilities.
Furthermore, participants will develop the ability to assess the value of AI initiatives, identify potential barriers to adoption, and anticipate the commercial, reputational, and regulatory implications of robust AI governance. A key outcome of the course is a deep appreciation of the layered and interconnected nature of AI governance, explored through frameworks such as the Hourglass Model, providing a practical foundation for oversight and decision-making in a rapidly changing technological environment.
2 day on site immersion
English
8 hours per day
Online materials to be shared prior to session
Course Objectives
Upon completing this masterclass, participants will be able to:
- Understand the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on businesses.
- Navigate the evolving landscape of AI standards and regulations.
- Articulate the essential need for AI governance within their organizations.
- Identify and apply key principles for effective AI governance.
- Implement a risk-based approach to AI governance, including risk assessment and control frameworks.
- Define the scope of AI governance in relation to existing organizational governance structures.
- Evaluate the organizational value and potential barriers to AI adoption.
- Recognize the expected outcomes of robust AI governance.
- Comprehend the layered nature of AI governance
Module Breakdown
This module provides a foundational understanding of AI, defining it as an engineered system that generates outputs based on human-defined objectives. It explains that AI is a specialized form of digital software excelling in tasks like prediction and optimization, often outperforming non-AI systems. The module differentiates between General AI (including Generative AI) and Narrow AI, noting their distinct risks and governance challenges. It contrasts AI with traditional software, emphasizing AI's reliance on historical data for training, which leads to complexity and opacity, making it challenging to explain and test outputs. The importance of data quality in AI performance is highlighted, concluding that traditional governance approaches may not be suitable for AI.
This module emphasizes the critical need for directors to comprehend and address the implications of AI, particularly Generative AI. It highlights the unprecedented opportunities for productivity and economic gains, alongside significant risks such as data misuse and algorithmic discrimination. The ethical use of AI in the best interests of customers is paramount, and the module underscores the current lack of board oversight, which can lead to commercial, reputational, and regulatory risks. Directors are urged to view AI as a strategic and governance priority, not just a technical issue.
This module details the obligations of directors in the context of AI, aligning with their duties for oversight of organizational strategy and risk management. It emphasizes the fiduciary duty to act with due care, diligence, and in good faith when dealing with AI. The module highlights the applicability of existing laws related to privacy, intellectual property, consumer protection, duty of care, and work health and safety to AI use, and anticipates further reforms targeting AI, including issues relating to 'explainable AI'. It addresses the governance challenges posed by both deliberate and 'shadow' AI use, where employees may use AI applications without management oversight, leading to amplified risks such as privacy breaches. Key questions for directors include supporting AI innovation within risk tolerance and aligning AI use with organizational strategy and goals.
This module argues that traditional IT governance is generally inadequate for overseeing AI systems due to AI's rapid evolution, opacity, diverse use cases, and the uncertain policy and technology landscape. It advocates for an iterative, integrated, flexible, and adaptive approach to AI governance that is human-centered and cross-functional. The module stresses the importance of aligning AI use with the broader organizational strategy and poses key questions for directors to ensure this alignment. It also focuses on AI-specific risk management, highlighting the legal duties of directors in overseeing and mitigating risks from AI system failures and inappropriate use, as well as the risks of not investing in AI. Practical steps for directors include understanding current AI use through an AI inventory, reviewing the organizational risk framework for its applicability to AI, and defining the organization's risk appetite for AI.
This module outlines eight key elements of effective AI governance frameworks for directors to consider:
- Roles & Responsibilities: Emphasizing clear decision-making power and accountability for AI use at both board and management levels, while cautioning against 'guru-based governance'.
- Governance Structures: Highlighting the need for a structured approach that may involve leveraging existing or creating new board and management committees and considering external expertise.
- People, Skills & Culture: Focusing on the necessity of the right talent and culture to promote safe AI use, the importance of AI understanding for directors, and addressing workforce impacts.
- Principles, Policies & Strategy: underscoring the need for guiding principles, practical policies (including an organizational AI use policy), and embedding AI within the organization's strategy.
- Practices, Processes & Controls: Stressing that ethical principles alone are insufficient and require clear practices and controls aligned with AI's characteristics, including risk appetite statements, impact assessments, and updated compliance frameworks.
- Supporting Infrastructure: Emphasizing the crucial role of fundamental infrastructure, particularly effective data governance and AI system inventories.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Impact Assessment: Highlighting the importance of engaging with stakeholders to explain and manage the impact of AI systems and address their concerns, especially those of vulnerable populations.
- Monitoring, Reporting & Evaluation: underscoring the need for regular reassessment of AI systems and governance frameworks against KPIs, regulations, and market developments, including establishing risk-based monitoring and seeking assurance.
Masterclass on Artificial Intelligence for Government Officials
Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence
Masterclass on Artificial Intelligence for Government Officials
Empowering Public Sector Leadership in the Age of AI
This masterclass is designed to equip government officials with a foundational and practical understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling them to make informed policy decisions, drive responsible innovation, and enhance public service delivery. As AI becomes a central force shaping economies, governance, and development, public officials must not only understand the fundamentals of the technology but also navigate its ethical, social, and regulatory implications to ensure it serves the public interest.
Program Outline
The program begins with an accessible introduction to AI fundamentals, ensuring participants gain clarity on key concepts and their implications. It then delves into critical debates around AI ethics, transparency, and fairness, before exploring the emerging legislative and regulatory landscape globally and within developing country contexts. Special attention is given to the challenges and opportunities faced by developing countries in securing meaningful control over AI technologies, including issues of data sovereignty, equitable access to innovation, and building digital capacity.
The masterclass also highlights the strategic role of governments in fostering inclusive AI innovation, safeguarding public interests, and avoiding technological dependency. It concludes with practical guidance on how AI can be responsibly applied within government to improve service delivery, decision-making, and institutional efficiency.
The program is positioned for Southern Africa, but the addition of explicit examples from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, and other African contexts in each module makes the program even more compelling
Course Objectives
Upon completing this masterclass, participants will be able to:
- Understand core AI concepts and how AI systems are built, trained, and deployed.
- Appreciate the relevance of AI to government operations in the South African and broader Southern African context.
- Engage critically with ethical, legal, and social debates, including transparency, fairness, accountability, and bias.
- Analyze global and regional trends in AI legislation and regulatory developments, including frameworks like the AU Data Policy, the EU AI Act, and national strategies.
- Understand the role of government in shaping AI ecosystems, enabling innovation, and protecting public goods.
- Assess the implications of digital sovereignty, open innovation, and the democratization of AI in developing countries.
- Evaluate South Africa's and the region's positioning in the global AI landscape and develop strategies for capacity building.
- Explore practical use cases for AI in government and how to integrate AI responsibly into public sector workflows.
- Develop a critical lens for assessing AI initiatives to ensure alignment with public values and national priorities.
Module Breakdown
This module demystifies AI, explaining its basic concepts, how it differs from traditional technologies, and why it matters for public governance. It emphasizes accessible explanations for non-technical audiences and contextualizes AI in Southern Africa's policy and development landscape.
Explores societal and governance implications of AI, including bias, discrimination, data privacy, and transparency. Introduces ethical frameworks, real-world case studies, and tools for public officials to ensure responsible use of AI in service delivery.
Provides an overview of the evolving global AI regulatory landscape, including major international instruments and national policies. Addresses regulatory challenges facing governments and emphasizes the importance of harmonization, compliance, and adaptive governance.
Examines geopolitical and economic dynamics of AI technology ownership, including the dominance of global platforms and risks of dependency. Discusses strategies for digital sovereignty, local capacity building, and inclusive innovation ecosystems in Southern Africa.
A hands-on module showcasing real-world applications of AI in the public sector—from fraud detection and predictive analytics to permit processing and citizen engagement. Participants explore how AI aligns with national goals such as the NDP, Smart Government frameworks, and the Digital Economy Masterplan.
Who is this Program for
- Senior and mid-level government officials responsible for policy-making, regulation, and strategic planning.
- Leaders in ministries, agencies, and SOEs involved in digital transformation, innovation, public service delivery, and regulatory oversight.
- Members of parliamentary committees on ICT, innovation, and economic development.
- Advisors and analysts in government think tanks and research institutions.
- Representatives from intergovernmental organizations and regional bodies (e.g., AU, SADC) involved in AI policy development.
- Leaders from civil society and the private sector invited as part of a "triple helix" approach to governance and innovation.
Learning Experience
You will embark on an engaging, hands-on learning journey that connects the technical foundations of AI with its strategic and practical applications in the public sector. The program combines live and recorded faculty sessions, interactive case studies, applied learning activities, and collaborative discussion groups to deepen your understanding.
You will participate in four live teaching sessions exploring emerging AI trends, including the future of AI in governance, predictive analytics, and strategies for building effective AI teams.
No prior technical or engineering experience is required. As the program unfolds, you will gradually develop a clear grasp of core AI concepts and discover how these technologies can be applied to your organization to enhance efficiency, strengthen decision-making, and deliver greater public value.
The experience culminates in a capstone project, enabling you to design a practical AI initiative tailored to your institutional context.
On completion of the program all participants will be included on an AI Governance Network, which is a platform for continuous dialogue, collaboration, and policy exchange beyond the course.
Capstone Project
Across the five modules, you will develop and refine an AI-related project or initiative for your own organization. The project culminates in a business case and plan that use AI to transform at least one aspect of the business. You have the opportunity to put the plan into action after testing its elements throughout the program. If you do not have an organizational project or initiative to develop, faculty will provide project ideas.
Assessment: Participation in discussions (20%), module assignments (30%), capstone project (50%).
- 1-day Masterclass, onsite immersion
- 8 weeks online
- 4-6 hours per week
- Weeks 1–2: Module 1 – Understanding AI (Foundations)
- Weeks 3–4: Module 2 – AI Ethics, Fairness, and Accountability
- Weeks 5–6: Module 3 – Law and Regulation in the Age of AI
- Weeks 7–8: Module 4 – Innovation, Sovereignty, and AI in th Global South + start of Capstone Project
1-day Masterclass, Capstone project presentations, peer review, and faculty feedback
Faculty
The program is delivered by AI policy experts, legal scholars, and technologists
Cybersecurity Technical Training
Cybersecurity
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
Strengthening Cyber Resilience Through Real-World Practice
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, cyber threats are not a matter of if but when. Organizations need more than policies and frameworks — they need teams that can act decisively under pressure. Practical, scenario-based exercises are vital to closing the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that cybersecurity professionals are prepared to respond to real incidents with confidence and precision.
Step Into the Cyber Frontline
Our immersive, practice-oriented training goes beyond theory to prepare participants for the realities of today's threat landscape. Through hands-on labs, capture-the-flag (CTF) challenges, tabletop exercises, cyber drills, and live simulations, participants gain the skills to detect, respond, and recover from incidents under real-world pressure. Designed to test readiness, sharpen teamwork, and strengthen incident response capabilities, this program equips teams to face tomorrow's cyber challenges with resilience and confidence.