Rwanda unveils cyberhub to build the next generation of digital defenders
3 min read
By Telesphore Kaberuka
Rwanda has taken a major step toward strengthening its digital resilience with the launch of CyberHub, a state-of-the-art center for cybersecurity talent development and innovation.
The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCSA), in collaboration with Cisco and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), officially inaugurated the facility on October 2, 2025, at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology in Kigali.
The new center features a cybersecurity academy, innovation lab, and advanced technology facilities designed to equip students, professionals, and startups with skills in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital forensics.
According to the NCSA, the CyberHub aims to bridge the national cybersecurity skills gap and nurture a workforce ready to tackle evolving digital threats. It targets training at least 200 specialists annually, ensuring that 30% of them are women, in line with Rwanda’s gender inclusion policy.
Speaking at the launch, Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, said cybersecurity should be viewed not only as a defensive tool but also as an engine for economic growth.
“Cybersecurity is not just a matter of defense; it’s an enabler of economic growth,” Ingabire said. “The success of the CyberHub will depend on how effectively it connects talent to real opportunities and strengthens our digital economy.”
The CyberHub is part of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) Program, which operates in over 50 countries and has implemented more than 1,600 projects worldwide to foster inclusive digital ecosystems (Cisco CDA, 2023).
Through the CyberHub, Rwandan learners will also gain access to the Cisco Networking Academy, one of the world’s largest and most successful digital education platforms, which has already trained over 20 million learners globally (Cisco Networking Academy, 2024).
David Kanamugire, the CEO of the National Cybersecurity Authority, described the launch as a milestone in Rwanda’s digital journey.
“We are proud to support Rwanda in building a skilled cybersecurity workforce,” Kanamugire said. “CyberHub represents a milestone in developing homegrown expertise to protect our data and digital infrastructure.”
Beyond skills development, the CyberHub is expected to become a launchpad for innovation, supporting local startups in developing cybersecurity and data protection solutions tailored to African realities.
The launch of CyberHub comes at a time when Rwanda is reinforcing its legal and institutional frameworks for data protection and cybersecurity. Under Law No. 058/2021 of 13 October 2021 relating to the Protection of Personal Data and Privacy, all institutions handling personal information are required to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and lawful processing of data. The law obliges every data controller and processor to register with the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCSA) and to maintain clear records of all processing activities, as outlined in Articles 16 and 17. It also grants individuals key rights such as access, correction, portability, and the right to object to the use of their data, principles that the CyberHub is expected to reinforce through training and awareness.
In addition, Rwanda’s Law No. 60/2018 on the Prevention and Punishment of Cybercrimes criminalizes unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure of computer data and imposes heavy penalties on offenders. These laws create a secure and trustworthy digital environment that aligns with the CyberHub’s mission to develop ‘digital defenders’ capable of protecting both public and private systems. By equipping youth and professionals with skills in cybersecurity, digital forensics, and responsible data handling, the CyberHub will play a vital role in translating Rwanda’s progressive legal framework into practical action, building not only technical capacity but also a culture of digital accountability.
