Why choose a PPP?2 Public–private partnerships help create win-win scenarios, combining resources and expertise for maximum impact. As indicated by the definition, public–private partnerships bring together the strengths of both sectors to tackle challenges neither can solve alone. In an interconnected world, cybersecurity is a team sport. Securing digital assets requires collaboration across organizations, industries and geographies, as no single entity can fully protect itself against evolving cyberthreats on its own. Failure to advance cybersecurity, including the development of a skilled cybersecurity workforce, can significantly harm economic opportunities, especially in the Global South. Without adequate protection and talent, these regions face heightened vulnerabilities that can undermine digital growth, deter investment and widen global inequalities. PPPs help create win-win scenarios, combining resources and expertise for maximum impact. For public actors, the benefits of PPPs include: Increased financial sustainability and shared investment burden: Developing cybersecurity talent is resource-intensive, requiring significant investments in training, infrastructure and specialized educators. Estimates suggest that the cost of cybersecurity bootcamps per individual ranges between $10,000 and $18,000.18 PPPs help mitigate financial strain by securing private- sector investment, enabling long-term funding and reducing reliance on public budgets. Training quality and relevance: Public actors can benefit from the support of private actors who bring their expertise and the latest knowledge in cybersecurity to the table. Private partners play an important role in helping align education programmes in schools and universities with industry needs, ensuring that students who later progress to becoming cybersecurity professionals are equipped with the skills required to be job-ready. Creation of new and long-term infrastructure and training facilities: Public actors can use private-sector investments to develop training infrastructure, such as cyber ranges (that is, virtual environments for cybersecurity training) simulation labs and training centres. These facilities provide hands- on experience for learners, improving workforce readiness while strengthening national cyber resilience. By partnering with private entities, public actors can reduce upfront costs, accelerate development timelines and ensure suitable training environments. For private actors, the benefits include: Access to new markets: The Allianz Risk Barometer 202519 finds that cybersecurity is a top concern in Brazil, Nigeria and South Africa, all of which are also facing significant cyber talent shortages.20 Often, for private actors, PPPs provide access to untapped markets that may otherwise be difficult to reach and, as such, can help open doors to new growth opportunities. Wider reach: The cybersecurity workforce lacks a representation of diverse groups. According to a 2024 survey by ISC2,21 11% of cybersecurity teams have no women, with the lowest representation in energy, military and manufacturing. Additionally, underrepresented groups – including minorities and neurodiverse individuals – continue to face barriers to entry. PPPs enable private-sector organizations to reach larger and more diverse populations by using public- sector networks and education systems to train, recruit and integrate more diverse professionals into the workforce. Scaling efforts: PPPs provide a valuable opportunity to scale cyber talent development initiatives. Public actors, through strategic policy support, can create the necessary conditions to implement and scale such efforts across industries or economies. Growing Cyber Talent Through Public–Private Partnerships 7

Growing Cyber Talent Through Public Private Partnerships 2025