Blog

CyberM8 Initiative NPC is pleased to announce a developing strategic collaboration with the University of Johannesburg’s School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems (UJ SCiiS) towards the Africa Cybersecurity Indaba 2026.

The engagement forms part of CyberM8’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with academic institutions, researchers, innovators, and technology leaders across Africa in building a more secure, resilient, and innovation-driven digital ecosystem.

Following a recent partnership engagement between the two organisations, both parties expressed strong interest in exploring practical collaboration opportunities aligned with cybersecurity skills development, innovation, research, and youth participation.

Among the proposed areas of collaboration is engagement with the UJ Technopreneurship Centre in support of the HackSecure Innovation Challenge, a cybersecurity hackathon and innovation platform aimed at empowering young innovators, developers, and emerging cybersecurity professionals to develop practical solutions addressing Africa’s growing digital security challenges.

The discussions also explored possible participation of UJ students in the HackSecure Innovation Challenge, creating opportunities for students to gain exposure to industry leaders, innovation ecosystems, cybersecurity problem-solving, and collaborative digital transformation initiatives.

In addition, both organisations are continuing discussions around exhibition opportunities for UJ SCiiS during the Africa Cybersecurity Indaba 2026, further strengthening the institution’s visibility within continental conversations relating to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital governance, innovation, and future digital skills.

Speaking on the collaboration, Thabang Phala, Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of CyberM8 Initiative NPC, welcomed the engagement with UJ SCiiS and highlighted the importance of academic partnerships in shaping Africa’s digital future.

“Universities and research institutions have a critical role to play in strengthening Africa’s cybersecurity ecosystem through research, innovation, skills development, and future-focused collaboration. We are encouraged by the positive engagement with UJ SCiiS and look forward to building impactful initiatives together,” said Phala.

The Africa Cybersecurity Indaba 2026 will bring together governments, regulators, academia, law enforcement agencies, telecommunications operators, technology companies, development partners, and young innovators from across the continent to engage on cybersecurity, AI, digital resilience, digital sovereignty, and Africa’s digital future.

The event continues to position itself as a leading continental platform driving collaboration, implementation-focused dialogue, innovation, and strategic partnerships across Africa’s evolving digital ecosystem.

The Africa Cybersecurity Indaba is proud to announce the return of Absa as a Silver Sponsor and strategic partner for the 2026 edition of Africa’s leading cybersecurity platform.

Absa’s renewed commitment to the Africa Cybersecurity Indaba reflects a shared vision of building a more secure, resilient, and inclusive digital ecosystem across the continent. As one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, Absa understands the critical role cybersecurity plays in protecting economies, businesses, governments, and citizens in an increasingly connected world.

The return of Absa as a Silver Sponsor is a continued investment in the conversations, partnerships, and innovations that are shaping the future of cybersecurity in Africa. At a time when cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and digital transformation continues to accelerate across every sector, collaboration between industry, government, technology providers, and financial institutions has never been more important.

The Africa Cybersecurity Indaba values long-term partnerships with organisations that are committed to strengthening Africa’s cybersecurity posture and supporting the development of secure digital economies. Absa’s continued involvement demonstrates a commitment to working alongside stakeholders across the public and private sectors to address current challenges while preparing for future opportunities.