Nigeria’s digital icon, Confidence Staveley, has become the first Nigerian female to be inducted into the famed Forbes Technology Council.
In a letter communicating the decision to Staveley, the founder of Forbes Technology Council, Scott Gerber said: “we are honoured to welcome Confidence Staveley into the Community. Our Mission with Forbes Technology Councils 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, who is a cybersecurity expert and founder/executive director, Cybersafe Foundation, he appreciated the honour and further explained the process: “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 herself to as a “Sisi and also a nerd”, due to her youthfulness and passion towards 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 experience in technology.
Staveley has facilitated CyberSafe Foundation’s multiple project collaborations with the UK Government.
With Cybersafe Foundation as 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. She is also passionate about protecting senior citizens who are particularly vulnerable to financial scams and identity theft.
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.