JA Africa launches digital security course CyberSmart

JA Africa has launched CyberSmart, a digital security course, to counter the growing epidemic of online fraud during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The program equips young Africans with simple, lifelong habits that help keep cybercriminals at bay.

Aligned with this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month theme, “Don’t Make It Easy for Them,” the course delivers actionable digital safety education directly to young people across the continent.

The launch arrives at a critical moment, as Africa now has approximately 570 million internet users who depend on digital platforms for banking, healthcare, education, and government services.

According to INTERPOL’s African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026, reported cybercrime losses across Africa more than doubled between 2024 and 2025, rising from US$192 million to US$484 million. Identified victims grew from 35,000 to 87,000. The assessment highlights the accelerating threat environment and the urgency of preventative education.

Cybercrime in Africa

INTERPOL estimates that cybercrime caused at least US$5 billion in direct economic damage across the continent in 2025, and that 55% of reported cases involved AI in some form.

Mobile-money fraud is now the most prevalent online scam, with 97% of responding countries identifying it as a major threat.

CyberSmart Course

CyberSmart was built for the day-to-day realities of young Africans, featuring relatable contexts, bilingual and free access, short interactive modules, and a gateway to high-growth careers. The curriculum mirrors situations that learners actually encounter online, such as fake agent messages, deceptive links that appear almost correct, and requests for one-time passwords.

The program is hosted on JA Africa’s Skills Lab platform, which has reached more than 100,000 young people across the continent since 2020. The platform supports any internet-enabled device, allowing learners to participate without cost.

According to Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa, “Every young person deserves the confidence to learn, work, connect, and build their future safely online,” and she added that “Through CyberSmart, JA Africa is empowering Africa’s next generation with the digital safety skills needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world. By building simple cyber-safe habits today, young people can protect their opportunities tomorrow.”

Students, parents, and educators can enroll in CyberSmart for free today, gaining immediate access to the interactive modules and the support resources that accompany each lesson.