CyberSafe Foundation, Google.org Launch Resilio Africa to Strengthen Cybersecurity Resilience Across Sub-Saharan Africa

The CyberSafe Foundation, with funding support from Google.org, is set to launch Resilio Africa, a three-year cybersecurity resilience project aimed at addressing the rising risks of cyberattacks targeting institutions and communities across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

The initiative will strengthen the cyber resilience of 200 Critical Community Institutions (CCIs) by providing free access to essential cybersecurity tools, risk assessments, threat intelligence, customised playbooks, and incident response frameworks. These institutions include organisations that deliver essential services in education, healthcare, civil society, and community development.

Through this intervention, Resilio Africa is expected to protect over two million people and secure more than 15 million public records across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, positioning it as one of the most ambitious community-focused cybersecurity efforts on the continent.

Speaking on the initiative, Haviva Kohl, Senior Programme Manager at Google.org, highlighted the importance of digital safety in community development. “At Google.org, we believe that access to secure digital systems is a cornerstone of inclusive growth. Our support for CyberSafe Foundation’s cybersecurity efforts reflects our shared commitment to empowering communities and protecting the institutions that serve them. Resilio Africa will help ensure that essential community organisations can operate safely and confidently in an increasingly digital world,” she said.

A brief released by the CyberSafe Foundation underscored the growing vulnerability of critical community infrastructure across SSA, noting that these institutions are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals while lacking adequate resources to defend themselves. Citing data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s Global Cybersecurity Index, the Foundation revealed that more than 60 per cent of African countries fall within the “low commitment” category for national cybersecurity readiness.

According to the Foundation, this gap contributes to weak institutional cybersecurity capacity, low awareness of digital threats, and limited budgetary allocation for security infrastructure, leaving community-serving organisations particularly exposed.

Resilio Africa is designed to respond directly to these challenges by delivering a comprehensive support package. The project will strengthen the cyber resilience of 200 CCIs through tailored technical tools, cybersecurity assessments, and incident response frameworks. It will also provide over 10,000 hours of pro bono cybersecurity consulting to support institutional teams and build internal capacity.

In addition, the initiative will prioritise human capacity development by delivering tiered cybersecurity training for executives, IT personnel, and general staff. Over 4,500 employees and decision-makers across participating institutions are expected to benefit from these trainings, improving organisational preparedness and response to cyber threats.

By combining technology, expert support, and capacity building, CyberSafe Foundation aims to create a sustainable cybersecurity ecosystem that safeguards essential services, protects sensitive data, and strengthens trust in digital systems across the region.

With Resilio Africa, CyberSafe Foundation and Google.org are reinforcing the message that cybersecurity is no longer optional but a critical foundation for community resilience, service delivery, and inclusive digital growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.