Cybersecurity Instruction Offering and Proposal for a $100 million Russian Technological Center... A Strategy to Turn Zimbabwe into a Cyber Powerhouse
Headline: Cyberus Launches Ambitious National Cybersecurity Training Program in Zimbabwe
In a significant move to bolster digital resilience and youth employment, Cyberus, a Russia-based cybersecurity foundation, has launched a free national cybersecurity training program in Zimbabwe. The program, aimed at training over 10,000 Zimbabwean youths in ethical hacking, cyber defense, and penetration testing, was officially unveiled on August 6, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Harare - Meikles Hotel.
The training program, which is open to anyone with an interest in cybersecurity, from beginners to working IT professionals, is part of a larger $100 million project known as CyberDom. This project aims to develop a technology hub, academy, and data center ecosystem in Zimbabwe, positioning the country as a regional cybersecurity hub for the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The program delivers training through a Learning Management System developed by CyberED, featuring real-world cyberattack simulations and globally recognized certifications. It also includes a regional component offering additional scholarships to students from SADC member states. Top graduates stand to gain opportunities for advanced training in Russia, job offers abroad or remotely, or roles supporting national infrastructure projects and Cyberus' broader initiatives in Zimbabwe.
Cyberus, co-founded by billionaire tech entrepreneur Yury Maksimov, has declared assets of up to $300 million. The organization is backed by well-known Russian cybersecurity institutions such as Positive Technologies, KOMIB, and Innostage. The partnership with Zimbabwe builds on a 2023 Bilateral Agreement on Information Security between the two countries and enjoys high-profile government support in both nations.
However, Zimbabwean officials remain cautiously optimistic about the full execution of the project, as many similar proposals historically fail to materialize. The success of the project depends on Cyberus' capacity, funding, and sustained follow-through.
The Russian Ambassador is expected to attend the official launch, alongside the Minister of ICT, Dr. Tatenda Mavetera, and her deputy, with the Permanent Secretary also in attendance. Registration for the training program opens at 9:30AM, and proceedings are set to wrap up by 12 noon.
If successful, the Zimbabwe CyberDom could position Zimbabwe as a regional player in cyber defense and talent development, contributing significantly to the digital economy and cybersecurity capacity of the country.
- The national cybersecurity training program launched by Cyberus in Zimbabwe, part of their larger project CyberDom, will not only educate Zimbabwean youths in cybersecurity but also provide opportunities for advanced technology learning and potential employment in the digital finance sector.
- As a part of the CyberDom project, the Learning Management System developed by CyberED will provide a comprehensive learning experience, including real-world cyberattack simulations, globally recognized certifications, and a regional component offering scholarships to students from SADC member states.
- This ambitious cybersecurity training initiative, although backed by leading Russian cybersecurity institutions like Positive Technologies, KOMIB, and Innostage, will face challenges in its execution, as many similar proposals in the past have failed to materialize, necessitating Cyberus' capacity, sustained funding, and follow-through for its success.
