U.S. technology company Cybastion is set to inaugurate a regional cybersecurity centre in Abidjan on Thursday, in partnership with Cisco, as Côte d’Ivoire seeks to strengthen its capacity to protect digital infrastructure against growing cyber threats.

The facility, known as the Cisco Cybersecurity Center at Cybastion, is equipped with technology from Cisco and is designed to support the monitoring, detection and management of cyber incidents across the region.

The centre includes a Security Operations Center (SOC), which monitors information systems to identify suspicious activities and potential threats, as well as an incident response unit tasked with investigating cyberattacks and coordinating security responses.

Beyond its operational role, the facility will also serve as a regional training hub to develop cybersecurity skills and strengthen the expertise of African professionals.

The inauguration is expected to bring together senior Ivorian and U.S. officials, including Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, Digital Transition Minister Djibril Ouattara, Cybastion Chief Executive Thierry Wandji and Cisco Executive Vice President Fran Katsoudas.

The project builds on the broader digital cooperation between Cybastion and Cisco in Côte d’Ivoire. Their DigiEmpower programme, developed with the Ivorian government, aims to train 200,000 young people and women in digital skills by 2030, including artificial intelligence, IT infrastructure and cybersecurity.

The opening of the centre comes as African countries face increasing pressure to secure public institutions, businesses and critical digital infrastructure against cyberattacks.

By combining cybersecurity monitoring, incident response and professional training, the Abidjan facility is intended to strengthen regional capabilities and contribute to the development of specialised expertise across Africa.