JA Africa Launches Free Digital Security Course
The CyberSmart program provides training to help address rising cybercrime and digital safety risks across Africa.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Cybersecurity
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JA Africa has introduced CyberSmart, a free bilingual course designed to equip young people with essential digital security habits. The program arrives as cybercrime losses across the continent significantly increase.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to bridge the digital safety education gap for Africa's 570 million internet users as online threats like mobile money fraud proliferate. It seeks to curb the economic damage caused by cybercriminals targeting the region.
The CyberSmart course uses three modules featuring videos and interactive quizzes hosted on the JA Africa Skills Lab platform. Accessible on internet-enabled devices, the training employs local scenarios and African characters to improve digital safety.
The players
JA Africa
This non-profit organization focuses on youth empowerment through work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship programs across 23 African countries.
The details
Available in English and French, the curriculum focuses on practical safety habits to counter threats like AI-driven cybercrime and mobile money fraud. JA Africa plans to integrate the content into schools and youth learning spaces throughout the 23 countries where the organization operates.
Timeline
2020: JA Africa Skills Lab reached 100,000 young people.
2024-2025: Reported cybercrime losses in Africa increased from US$192 million to US$484 million.
2025: Total economic damage from cybercrime in Africa reached US$5 billion.
October 2026: The industry observes Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
October 16, 2026: JA Africa officially launched the CyberSmart course.
The Tech Race
This educational initiative reflects the broader effort to counter the rapid acceleration of AI-based cybercrime and financial fraud. It positions regional organizations against increasingly sophisticated digital threats that now impact nearly every nation across the continent.
Young learners can utilize this platform to adopt proactive security habits that protect personal information and digital assets. By completing the course, participants gain practical knowledge to avoid common risks like mobile money fraud and phishing attempts.
The takeaway
Digital safety education is becoming a critical tool for protecting both personal finances and local economies from global cyber threats. Individuals are encouraged to prioritize basic security habits, such as identifying AI-generated scams and protecting mobile payment credentials.
Further reading
Learn more about emerging digital safety trends in the Cybersecurity section.
More information
Enroll in the training or access specific program details via the CyberSmart free course enrollment portal.
Live Poll
Do you feel confident in your ability to identify and avoid common online fraud and scams?
