Call For Applications: NITDA/WiCyS Cybersecurity Capacity-Building Programme for Women 2026 - MSME Africa

FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsAppCopy LinkLinkedInShare The National Information Technology Development Agency, in collaboration with the Women in Cybersecurity Nigeria Affiliate, is inviting applications for a one-day capacity-building programme aimed at empowering women to thrive in the technology and cybersecurity ecosystem. Computer Security This initiative is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge, relevant skills, and the confidence needed to pursue and grow careers in tech and cybersecurity. The programme is open to women at different stages of their professional journey and provides a supportive entry point into the digital economy. About the Programme The capacity-building programme offers focused learning sessions tailored to the realities of today’s technology and cybersecurity landscape. Participants will gain insights into career pathways, core skills, and emerging opportunities within the cyber and tech space, while engaging with professionals and peers who are already active in the ecosystem. Why This Matters As digital transformation accelerates, cybersecurity and technology skills are becoming essential across sectors. However, women remain underrepresented in these fields. This programme helps close that gap by creating access to learning, exposure, and confidence-building opportunities that enable more women to participate meaningfully in the digital future. Who Can Apply The programme is open to women who fall into any of the following categories: students with an interest in technology, early-career professionals looking to build or strengthen tech or cybersecurity skills, and individuals planning to transition into technology or cybersecurity from other fields. Application Deadline Applications close on 22 February 2026. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should complete the application form via the official link below: Apply here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/hwn3WxyXU3 NITDA, Women in Cybersecurity Nigeria, Cybersecurity Training, Women in Tech, Capacity Building, Digital Skills, Tech Careers, Nigeria Opportunities, 2026 Programmes Computer Security FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsAppCopy LinkLinkedInShare Related Posts: Ultimate 2025 Guide to the Top Business Enabling… MSME Africa Unveils Top 50 Remarkable MSME Founders… Nigerian Government Agencies that Support… Overcoming Binding Constraints to Competitive… 15 Social Media Management Tools That Will Make Life… How African Startups Can Secure Funding in Tough Markets RELATED TOPICS: 2026 PROGRAMMES CAPACITY BUILDING CYBERSECURITY TRAINING DIGITAL SKILLS NIGERIA OPPORTUNITIES NITDA TECH CAREERS WOMEN IN CYBERSECURITY NIGERIA WOMEN IN TECH UP NEXT Nigeria Revenue Service Begins Phased Rollout of E-invoicing System For Businesses DON'T MISS Call for Applications: Fidelity Bank HerFidelity Apprenticeship Program BUSINESS Firm Pushes for More Women in Fintech with Skills Masterclass Published 13 hours ago on March 19, 2026 By Olusola Blessing FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsAppCopy LinkLinkedInShare PalmPay Nigeria is stepping up efforts to close the gender gap in technology as it hosted the third edition of its Purple Woman Masterclass, aimed at equipping young women with practical digital and professional skills. Speaking at the event, Managing Director Chika Nwosu said the initiative was created in response to the low representation of women in fintech and the wider tech ecosystem. She noted that the company is intentional about building a pipeline of women who can take on leadership roles in the industry.   The programme, held to mark International Women’s Day 2026, is part of PalmPay’s broader commitment to fostering an inclusive digital economy. By focusing on skill development, the initiative is positioning more women to participate in and benefit from the growing fintech space. For Nigeria’s evolving digital economy, increasing women’s participation is seen as a critical step toward driving innovation and expanding financial inclusion. With more women equipped with relevant tech skills, small businesses and startups stand to benefit from a more diverse and capable workforce.   Nwosu emphasised that empowering women goes beyond individual success, noting that it creates lasting social and economic impact. As fintech continues to reshape how businesses operate and access finance, initiatives like this could play a key role in ensuring that women are not left behind. FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsAppCopy LinkLinkedInShare CONTINUE READING BUSINESS Quest Merchant Bank Named Transaction Advisor for Nigeria’s Landmark Project BRIDGE Digital Infrastructure Initiative Published 14 hours ago on March 19, 2026 By Olusola Blessing FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsAppCopy LinkLinkedInShare Quest Merchant Bank has been appointed as Transaction Advisor for Project BRIDGE (Broadband Infrastructure Development for Digital Economy), a flagship national broadband initiative led by Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani. Project BRIDGE is a strategic digital infrastructure initiative designed to significantly expand Nigeria’s fibre-optic infrastructure and accelerate broadband penetration across the country. The project will deploy approximately 90,000 kilometres of open access fibre-optic cable, strengthen nationwide connectivity and enable inclusive digital and economic growth.   As Transaction Advisor, Quest Merchant Bank will support FMCIDE and the Project BRIDGE Project Implementation Unit in structuring and implementing the project’s financial and commercial framework. The mandate includes developing bankable investment structures, supporting investor engagement, and designing the public–private partnership framework required to facilitate successful project execution and long-term sustainability. Commenting on the appointment, Afolabi Olorode, Ag. Managing Director/CEO Quest Merchant Bank, said: “Project BRIDGE represents a critical step in strengthening Nigeria’s digital backbone and unlocking the immense opportunities within the country’s digital economy. We are honoured to partner with the FMCIDE under the leadership of Honourable Minister, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani on this important initiative and look forward to applying our transaction advisory and infrastructure finance expertise to help deliver a robust and investable framework that will attract private capital and support long-term national development.”   Also speaking on the appointment, Yetunde Falore, Head of Investment Banking, Quest Merchant Bank, said: “Nigeria’s digital economy is entering a defining phase, and infrastructure initiatives such as Project BRIDGE will play a central role in expanding connectivity, deepening digital inclusion, and supporting sustainable economic growth. We align with the criticality of this project and are proud to bring in our expertise to help drive a timely, efficient and successful project delivery in our role as Transaction Advisor. Project BRIDGE aligns strongly with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope national transformation agenda, which prioritises the expansion of digital infrastructure, technology-driven productivity, and increased private-sector engagement in delivering critical national assets. By accelerating broadband penetration and strengthening the country’s digital backbone, the initiative is expected to unlock significant opportunities across key sectors—including education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce, and the wider innovation ecosystem.   Under this appointment, Quest Merchant Bank will be supporting the Honourable Minister and the Project Implementation Team in structuring and delivering a financially robust Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) by shortlisting qualified Private Sector participants to partner with the Nigerian Government (backed by World Bank, Africa Development Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction & Development) to deliver a world class private sector led, wholesale open Access Fibre Company. The project targets SPV set up and project break-ground by Q3 2026. FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsAppCopy LinkLinkedInShare CONTINUE READING ECONOMY CBN Signals New Payment System as Cardoso Highlights Stronger Economy Published 14 hours ago on March 19, 2026 By Olusola Blessing FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsAppCopy LinkLinkedInShare Nigeria is positioning itself for a more stable and investor-friendly financial future as the Central Bank signals the rollout of a new national payment system while highlighting improvements across the economy.   Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso made this known in London during the Africa Capital Forum, held alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom. Speaking to investors and development partners, he said Nigeria’s economy is now better equipped to withstand global shocks due to ongoing reforms and tighter monetary discipline.   At the centre of the announcement is a new Payments System Vision, which the apex bank has completed and is set to launch soon. The initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in digital payments and enable smoother cross-border transactions across Africa. For businesses, especially MSMEs, this could mean faster payments, reduced transaction costs, and easier access to regional markets.   Cardoso explained that the bank is working to create a more predictable policy environment by reviewing its frameworks to ensure clarity and consistency. The move is aimed at reducing uncertainty for investors and allowing businesses to plan with greater confidence. There are also signs of improvement in the foreign exchange market. According to the governor, increased transparency and liquidity have made it easier for businesses to access foreign currency. A revised foreign exchange manual has removed several restrictions that previously limited operations, a change that could ease pressure on import-dependent small businesses. On the banking sector, Cardoso revealed that over 30 banks have already met the new capital requirements under the ongoing recapitalisation programme, with verification still in progress for others. Notably, about 28 percent of the funds raised came from foreign investors, reflecting renewed confidence in Nigeria’s financial system. Diaspora remittances are also playing a key role in strengthening the country’s external reserves. The increase in inflows is helping to stabilise the naira and improve Nigeria’s ability to manage global economic pressures.   Looking ahead, the Central Bank says it will continue working with fintech companies to remove regulatory bottlenecks and support innovation in digital finance. This collaboration is expected to expand financial inclusion and unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs across Nigeria and the wider African market. The broader message from the apex bank is clear: maintaining stability remains a top priority, with reforms designed to create a more resilient economy where businesses and investors can operate with confidence. 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