THE University of Dodoma (UDOM) has launched an international cybersecurity training programme, the first of its kind in the country.

The four-month initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the African Programme for Cyber Security Technology (APCST), a US-based non-governmental organization specializing in cyber defence and digital security training.

The training, which officially commenced on last Thursday, is aimed at equipping Tanzanian youth, both university students and non-students with ICT backgrounds with globally relevant skills in cybersecurity.

 Out of a target group of 200 trainees, 76 participants have already enrolled in the programme, with a particular emphasis on increasing the number of women in the male-dominated tech sector.

According to Prof. Lughano Kusiluka, UDOM Vice Chancellor, the programME marks a turning point in the way Tanzanian institutions approach the urgent and complex issue of cybersecurity. Speaking during the launch event, Prof. Kusiluka emphasized the importance of responsible use of the training offered.

“This is not a program for those who wish to misuse their skills,” he said. “If any participant chooses to use this knowledge for the wrong reasons, they will be removed from the programme. This is a national investment, not a personal entitlement. Every seat in this training belongs to the people of Tanzania.”

The VC noted that while UDOM has a long-standing history of producing graduates in ICT and digital technologies, this new programme fills a critical gap by offering hands-on training that meets international standards. Many Tanzanian professionals, he said, have missed out on global employment opportunities due to lack of such practical, industry-aligned training.

“Globally recognized cybersecurity training is often expensive and mostly offered by institutions in developed countries,” he explained. “This partnership with APCST gives Tanzanian youth a rare and valuable opportunity to earn credentials that can open doors not just locally but across the world.”

The training is being conducted by highly experienced cybersecurity experts from the United States, offering participants insights into real-world scenarios such as data protection, network defence, cyber forensics and prevention of digital fraud and hacking.

Edward Sundberg, co-founder of the African Programme for Cyber Security Technology, said the demand for cybersecurity professionals has skyrocketed globally due to the growing reliance on digital platforms across all sectors — from finance and healthcare to governance and education.

“There is no industry today that operates without the internet, and that means every sector is vulnerable,” he said. “Our mission is to build capacity in Africa so that nations like Tanzania can develop their own experts who will not only protect their systems but also contribute to global security efforts.”

Rebbeca Kubanda, one of the participants in the training, spoke about how the programme empowers young people, especially women, to address online harassment and protect digital identities.

Africa is currently estimated to have a shortfall of nearly four million cybersecurity professionals, with fewer than 10,000 trained experts available across the continent.

 The UDOM-APCST initiative aims to narrow this gap by producing a new generation of Tanzanian cyber defenders equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The program is not only expected to boost Tanzania’s digital resilience but also to place the country on the global map as a source of skilled cybersecurity professionals ready to work in both local and international markets.