Kenya hosts training for African internet experts to strengthen cybersecurity

Kenya has hosted internet experts from 25 African countries for a two-week training programme aimed at strengthening cybersecurity, improving the management of critical internet infrastructure and supporting the continent's growing digital economy.

The African Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD) Training Summit brought together 45 experts responsible for managing national internet domains across Africa.

The programme was coordinated by the Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC), funded by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), and delivered in partnership with the African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI).

Participants received practical training in domain registry operations, cybersecurity, operational resilience and international best practices to enhance the management of country code top-level domains such as Kenya's .ke.

Speaking at the close of the summit, KeNIC Chief Executive Officer Andrew Lewela said collaboration among African domain registries is key to securing the continent's digital future.

"One of Africa's greatest strategic assets is the growing collaboration among our domain registries. The future of Africa's internet will not be shaped by individual institutions, but through strong partnerships between registries, governments, regulators, the technical community and industry," he said.

Lewela said stronger cooperation would help secure the Domain Name System, accelerate digital transformation, expand trusted online services and position Africa as a major player in the global digital economy.

The training comes as African countries continue to expand digital financial services, e-commerce and e-government platforms, increasing the need for secure and resilient internet infrastructure to protect users from cyber threats, fraud and identity theft.

Organisers said the programme is part of broader efforts to strengthen internet governance across Africa by building technical capacity and promoting collaboration among national domain registries. Participants will receive professional certification through AFRALTI, creating a larger pool of skilled experts to manage the continent's critical internet infrastructure.

The hosting the summit reinforces Nairobi's position as a regional hub for internet governance, digital innovation and technology skills development while supporting continental efforts to build a secure and inclusive digital economy.