The increasing sophistication and global nature of cybercrime have made cybersecurity a top priority for governments, organisations, and law enforcement agencies worldwide. In Africa, where digital transformation is accelerating, the need for robust cybercrime response capabilities has become especially urgent. Against this backdrop, Kaspersky and the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL), have collaborated to strengthen the continent’s cyber defence capacity through a comprehensive training programme for law enforcement personnel.
This report examines the structure, objectives, and impact of the joint cybersecurity training initiative conducted between November 2025 and March 2026.
Background of the Partnership
The collaboration between Kaspersky and AFRIPOL is rooted in a formal cooperation agreement signed in 2024.
This five-year agreement focuses on:
- Preventing and combating cybercrime
- Sharing threat intelligence on emerging cyber threats
- Providing technical expertise and training in information security
The partnership reflects a broader global trend in which private cybersecurity firms support public institutions by sharing operational knowledge derived from real-world cyber investigations.
Overview of the Training Programme
Scope and Participation
The training programme brought together approximately 40 law enforcement officers from 23 African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and others. This wide representation ensured a diverse exchange of experiences and fostered regional cooperation in tackling cybercrime.
Training Focus Areas
The programme, titled “Security Operations and Threat Hunting,” focused on equipping participants with both foundational and advanced cybersecurity skills.
Key areas included:
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Fundamentals
Participants learned how SOCs function as the backbone of organisational cybersecurity, including monitoring, detection, and response processes. - Threat Hunting Techniques
Officers were trained to proactively identify hidden threats within systems before they escalate into full-scale incidents. - System-Level Threat Detection
Training covered methods for identifying malicious activity in both Windows and Linux environments. - Analysis of Attacker Behaviour
Participants studied attacker tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), enabling them to better understand how cybercriminals operate. - Threat Intelligence Utilisation
Officers learned how to leverage threat intelligence data to detect and mitigate advanced cyber threats.
Training Methodology
Practical and Interactive Learning
The programme emphasised hands-on learning and real-world application. Participants engaged in practical exercises simulating cyber incidents, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in realistic scenarios.
Expert-Led Sessions
Kaspersky’s Security Services team delivered the training, bringing direct experience from global cyber investigations. This ensured that the content reflected current threat landscapes and industry best practices.
Q&A and Knowledge Exchange
A series of online Q&A sessions complemented the formal training modules.
These sessions enabled participants to:
- Interact directly with cybersecurity experts
- Clarify complex concepts
- քննարկ real-life case studies
- Gain deeper insights into advanced cybersecurity techniques
This interactive component significantly enhanced the overall learning experience.
Role of Kaspersky Expert Training
Kaspersky’s broader Expert Training programme plays a central role in this initiative.
Globally, it has:
- Trained over 3,000 specialists
- Reached participants in more than 50 countries
- Delivered 12 specialised courses
These courses cover areas such as:
- Reverse Engineering
- Threat Hunting
- Incident Response
The programme is widely used by organisations and academic institutions to build advanced cybersecurity competencies, demonstrating its credibility and global relevance.
Strategic Importance for Africa
Addressing a Growing Threat Landscape
Cybercrime in Africa is becoming increasingly complex, involving ransomware, financial fraud, and cross-border cyberattacks. Strengthening law enforcement capabilities is essential to counter these threats effectively.
Enhancing Regional Cooperation
By bringing together officers from multiple countries, the training fostered collaboration and information sharing across borders—critical in addressing transnational cybercrime.
Bridging the Skills Gap
Many African countries face a shortage of highly trained cybersecurity professionals. This initiative helps bridge that gap by equipping law enforcement officers with advanced technical skills.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Kaspersky’s View
According to Yuliya Shlychkova, Vice President of Public Affairs at Kaspersky, cybercrime is “borderless and constantly evolving,” making collaboration between private and public sectors essential. She emphasised that continued investment in training and capacity building is key to enabling effective cybercrime investigations and fostering a safer digital environment.
AFRIPOL’s View
Dr. Mohammed Benaired, Head of Training and Capacity Building at AFRIPOL, highlighted the importance of strengthening law enforcement capabilities to address increasingly complex cyber threats. He noted that partnerships with private sector experts help agencies stay updated on emerging trends and investigative techniques.
Outcomes and Impact
The training programme delivered several key outcomes:
- Improved technical expertise among participating officers
- Enhanced ability to detect, analyse, and respond to cyber incidents
- Strengthened collaboration between African law enforcement agencies
- Increased awareness of modern cyber threat landscapes
In the long term, such initiatives are expected to contribute to more effective cybercrime investigations and improved digital security across the continent.
Conclusion
The joint cybersecurity training initiative by Kaspersky and AFRIPOL represents a significant step toward strengthening Africa’s cyber defence capabilities. By combining private sector expertise with public sector enforcement efforts, the programme addresses critical gaps in skills, knowledge, and collaboration.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, sustained partnerships of this nature will be essential in building resilient cybersecurity ecosystems. The success of this initiative underscores the importance of ongoing investment in training, knowledge sharing, and international cooperation to ensure a safer and more secure digital future for Africa.
