UK (Commonwealth Union)_ Applications are now being accepted for the prestigious Commonwealth Africa Cyber Fellowship program, which offers an exclusive platform for cybersecurity experts hailing from Commonwealth nations in Africa. Established in 2022, this fellowship facilitates the exchange of knowledge, the cultivation of partnerships, and the ability to influence policy initiatives undertaken by the Commonwealth Secretariat. Successful candidates will serve as fellows for a one-year term, granting them privileged access to academic research opportunities, networking events, and annual conferences, all with a primary focus on strengthening cybersecurity policies and institutions throughout Commonwealth countries in Africa.
Eligibility for this opportunity extends to any citizen of a Commonwealth country in Africa, falling within the age range of 21 to 65, and possessing a minimum of five years of work experience in cybersecurity within domains such as law, policymaking, telecommunications, academia, or related sectors. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, emphasized the critical role of cybersecurity in today’s interconnected world and called for eligible candidates to take action. She emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in addressing the global challenge of cybercrime.
The Secretary-General added, “In today’s interconnected world, the significance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Cybercrime is a global issue that impacts everyone. By working together, we are better, faster, and more effective in protecting our online world”. She added, “So, our fellowship is not only an opportunity; it is a call to action. It gathers experts from different sectors, who might not usually collaborate, to make use of their expertise and craft solutions that will enable us all to enjoy the benefits of the internet without worry.”
The application process mandates the submission of a resume, a cover letter, and a letter of support from the candidate’s respective organization to cyber@commonwealth.int by 23:59 GMT on December 10, 2023. This initiative represents the second iteration of the Commonwealth Africa Fellowship program, which is backed by the United Kingdom’s International Development Office. Its overarching goal is to support the implementation of the Commonwealth Cyber Declaration, a framework established in 2018 by Commonwealth nations to promote a secure and prosperous cyberspace for the 2.5 billion citizens of the Commonwealth.
