Nigeria’s phenomenal growth in the global technology space took a leap recently, when Confidence Staveley, a Nigerian digital icon, became the first Nigerian female to be inducted into the famed Forbes Technology Council.
Founder of Forbes Technology Council, Scott Gerber said in a letter communicating the decision to Staveley that: “We are honoured to welcome Confidence Staveley into the Community. Our Mission with Forbes Technology Council is to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world.”
In a social media post by Staveley, a cybersecurity expert and Founder/Executive Director, Cybersafe Foundation, she appreciated the honour and further explained the process, saying, “I was vetted and selected by a review Committee based on the depth and diversity of my experience. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honours.”
Staveley, who popularly refers to herself as a “Sisi and also a nerd,” due to her youthfulness and passion for influencing youths in the technology ecosystem, is arguably Africa’s most celebrated female cybersecurity leader, cybersecurity talent developer, global speaker, cybersecurity awareness evangelist and inclusion advocate.
She is also an award-winning cybersecurity professional, digital development enthusiast, author and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in technology.
Staveley believes that Africans, especially the most vulnerable, should have access to technology and be equipped with cyber-risk and mitigation strategies, and this explains why she has facilitated CyberSafe Foundation’s multiple project collaborations with the UK Government.
While hoping that more Nigerian women will be included in the Forbes Technology Council, Staveley Cybersafe Foundation, through its social media platform @cybersafehq, has recorded huge strides in driving inclusive and safe digital access in Africa, noting that “we are enthusiastic that this membership will help us achieve more.”
With Cybersafe Foundation as an implementation partner, and in partnership with the UK FCDO and KPMG, Staveley played a major role in the launch of a cybersecurity toolkit for SMEs in Nigeria and is also passionate about protecting senior citizens who are particularly vulnerable to financial scams and identity theft.
Through her organisation, Cybersafe Foundation, Staveley has recently launched the Pan-African cybersecurity awareness tool called The Sabi Toolkit. This tool provides users with proactive, preventive measures and practical steps to stay safe as they navigate the digital world.
She is also passionate about closing the gender gap in technology through her two initiatives – DigiGirls and CyberGirls.
Her induction into the Forbes Technology Council is a great testament to her works and further provides a platform to reach the wider world with her expertise.
The Council is an Invitation-Only organisation for senior-level technology executives.
Members of the Forbes Technology Council are respected tech leaders, including CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, and others, selected for the Council based on their deep knowledge and diverse experience in the industry.
According to information on the Council’s website, “Members of our elite business communities receive three pillars of value: connections, visibility, and growth.”
Members have the exclusive opportunity to publish their expert insights on Forbes.com. Working with skilled editors, members participate in expert panels and write bylined articles to enhance their reputation as thought leaders.
