André Biyong on Africa’s Digital Growth and Cybastion’s Tech Initiatives

By Ajong Mbapndah L

As the Chief Operating Officer of Cybastion, André Biyong is a key part of the dynamic leadership at one of the most ambitious technology enterprises shaping Africa’s digital destiny. A U.S.-based company delivering cutting-edge cybersecurity and digital solutions, Cybastion has been pivotal in accelerating the continent’s digital transformation. Under Biyong’s leadership, the company has seen exponential growth—expanding its footprint across Africa while forging deep partnerships with governments and private sector stakeholders.

With a career spanning private equity, transformation consulting, and leadership roles at global firms like Deloitte, PwC, and Alvarez & Marsal, Biyong brings both technical expertise and strategic vision to his work. Armed with degrees in Mathematics, Computer Science, Telecom Engineering, and Information Systems, as well as an MBA from the Wharton School, he blends academic rigor with practical execution. Today, as Cybastion’s COO and acting Country Director in Côte d’Ivoire, he is committed to driving sustainable digital ecosystems that empower nations to achieve digital sovereignty. It is against this backdrop that Pan African Vision sat down with André Biyong for an insightful conversation on Cybastion’s transformative work in Côte d’Ivoire and across the continent.

 Could we start with an overview of Cybastion projects and partnerships in Côte d’Ivoire?

Cybastion is grateful for our trusted partnership with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire. Together, we are advancing the country’s vision of digital sovereignty by building sovereign data centers, strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, and accelerating the digitalization of government services. One key focus has been capacity building. Through our Education & Training Business Unit, we are equipping government IT professionals with advanced skills, while our nonprofit initiative, THEYA Foundation, runs the Africa DigiEmpower program to train young people and women in fields like AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics. This partnership ensures Côte d’Ivoire is not only catching up but positioning itself as a regional leader in digital transformation.

We’d love to hear more about the construction of the digital innovation hub. What will be its impact on Côte d’Ivoire?

The innovation hub in Grand-Bassam marks a defining moment for the nation. At its heart is a sovereign data center—providing the secure backbone for a fully digital government ecosystem. Beyond infrastructure, the hub is designed to foster entrepreneurship, create jobs, and power inclusive growth by equipping the next generation with digital skills. It is more than a building; it is a symbol of Côte d’Ivoire’s readiness to lead in the digital age, blending connectivity, innovation, and sustainability into one ecosystem.

Cybastion launched the Africa DigiEmpower training program in Côte d’Ivoire this year. Tell us more about the initiative and what was achieved?

Digital transformation cannot succeed without local talent. By 2030, Côte d’Ivoire will need an estimated 5 million digitally skilled workers—yet women and youth remain underrepresented in the tech space. To bridge this gap, we launched Africa DigiEmpower in partnership with Cisco and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire. The program aims to train 200,000 young people and women by 2030. Already, in just a few months, more than 10,000 young Ivorians have received training in digital skills. By working with schools, universities, and community organizations, we’re creating pathways into high-demand fields such as AI and cybersecurity. This is not just about employability; it’s about giving young Africans the tools to shape their digital future.

 We understand Cybastion is partnering with the Ivorian Ministry of Tourism to launch the e-Tourism platform. Could you shed some light on this?

Tourism is a vital driver of Africa’s economies, and Côte d’Ivoire has incredible potential to lead in this space. Our partnership with the Ministry of Tourism focuses on launching an e-Tourism platform, a digital interface where visitors can explore, plan, and book cultural and leisure experiences seamlessly. For government and local businesses, the platform provides advanced tools to manage services, optimize visitor flows, and boost revenues. In essence, it modernizes the entire tourism ecosystem, helping Côte d’Ivoire position itself as a premier travel destination in West Africa.

There is so much talk about AI. How is this going to impact Côte d’Ivoire and Africa, and anything is Cybastion doing to help young Africans up their skills?

AI has the power to revolutionize every sector—whether it’s agriculture, health, education, or finance. But for AI to truly serve Africa, it must be built on resilient digital infrastructure and coupled with workforce readiness. That’s why our Africa DigiEmpower program places such emphasis on AI training. In Abidjan, our Tech Academy offers specialized courses in AI, data science, and cybersecurity. Working with Cisco NetAcad, we ensure these courses lead to recognized certifications, giving young Africans not just theoretical knowledge but practical credentials to compete globally. This is about preparing a workforce that can lead Africa confidently into the AI era.

 Any other big projects or initiatives coming up from Cybastion that you may want to share as we wrap up this interview?

Our flagship Digital Fast Track program is perhaps the most exciting. It offers governments an accelerated roadmap to achieve digital transformation—from building sovereign data centers to securing national digital infrastructure and training digital workforces. What makes it special is its adaptability: each country can tailor the program to its unique needs and priorities. For Côte d’Ivoire, it means scaling digital services, empowering young professionals, and ensuring that digital sovereignty translates into real socioeconomic benefits. We are deeply committed to this journey and proud to be walking alongside Côte d’Ivoire as a trusted partner.