Mauritius has launched the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Centre of excellence for Cybersecurity in Africa at the turn of the millennium, with the aim to support capacity development in the field of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by offering continuous education to ICT professionals and executives in the public and private spheres through face-to-face, online or blended learning. The ITU CoE is a global cooperative network of institutions and partners sharing expertise, resources and ICT capacity-building know-how. The CoE networks have been established in a number of regions including Africa, the Americas, Arab States, Asia-Pacific, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Europe. 

What is the International Telecommunication Union?

The International Telecommunication Union is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for all matters related to information and communication technologies. Established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, it is one of the oldest international organizations in operation. The International Telecommunication Union was initially aimed at helping connect telegraphic networks between countries, with its mandate consistently broadening with the advent of new communications technologies.

The International Telecommunication Union promotes the shared global use of the radio spectrum, facilities international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, assists in developing and coordinating worldwide technical standards, and works to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world. It is also active in the areas of broadband Internet, wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, satellite-based meteorology, TV broadcasting, and next-generation networks. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the ITU’s global membership includes 193 countries and around 900 business, academic institutions, and international and regional organizations.

Mauritius chosen as International Telecommunication Union Centre of Excellence in Cybersecurity

In Africa and in the field of ICT, Mauritius is considered a high‐quality training provider. In this regard and at least for the next four (4) years, Mauritius was chosen in the year 2020, as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Centre of Excellence in the priority area of Cybersecurity in Africa. This ITU Centre of Excellence, was set up by the Computer Emergency Response Team of Mauritius of the National Computer Board. The objective of the ITU is to share expertise, resources and capacity-building know-how.

In Eastern and Southern Africa, Mauritius’ role has been to build national and regional capacity on cybersecurity. There is a great need for capacity building in the area of Information Security. The setting up of this ITU Centre of Excellence in Cybersecurity will be vital in addressing the limitations arising due to shortage of cybersecurity manpower around the world.

Nowadays, Information Security is a rapidly evolving game of advanced skill and strategy and one of the fundamental elements to focus on is capacity building. As there is a shortage of cybersecurity manpower around the world, including in Mauritius, the setting up of this ITU Centre of Excellence in Cybersecurity has greatly contributed in addressing capacity building.

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