Cisco, CCF train Africans in conservation technology
To meet the growing demand for skilled conservation technology professionals, the Connected Conservation Foundation (CCF) and the Cisco Networking Academy have launched a Protected Area Technician (PAT) Training Program.
The PAT Training Program offers free online courses and includes sponsorships and in-field internships.
It aims to train the next generation of professionals with the necessary skills to set up and maintain a wide range of conservation technologies in Africa and globally.
CCF said that as conservation becomes increasingly data-driven, real-time digital tools such as sensors, satellites, artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics – all based on secure connectivity – are transforming how nature is protected.
“These digital tools are crucial in tackling nature loss in conservation environments, helping detect threats like poaching and deforestation, monitor environmental conditions, and supporting community-led stewardship of vital natural resources,” CCF said in a statement.
The group believes that as technology advances there is a growing need for skilled protected area technicians to install, maintain and manage these systems and keep critical data flowing.
“We’re excited to welcome and support the next generation of conservation tech leaders. As a Protected Area Technician, you’ll keep teams connected, systems secure, and data flowing, making a real difference on the ground,” said Doc Watson, chairman and founder of CCF.
The new PAT Program offers a fully online, flexible pathway from beginner to advanced certification.
Through ten courses, learners will develop vendor-agnostic skills in sensor deployment, networking, off-grid infrastructure, cybersecurity, data management and integration.
CCF operates in several African countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Benin, Chad, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Mozambique.
The Cisco Networking Academy is a global skills-to-jobs program offered by Cisco to provide digital skills training and workforce development through public-private partnerships.
Over the past ten years, CCF and Cisco, alongside local field collaborators, have implemented cutting-edge conservation technologies to strengthen the protection and management of 35 conservancies across 15 countries.
Course content developed by industry experts
The training program was created in collaboration with leading professionals in conservation technology and is backed by partners including Cisco Networking Academy, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, African Parks and EarthRanger (AI2).
“Our decade-long partnership with CCF has evolved from protecting rhinos to safeguarding entire landscapes and now training new conservation champions in local communities,” said Fran Katsoudas, chief people, policy and purpose officer at Cisco.
The Open University is also a supporting partner in the project, guiding CCF to embed Cisco Networking Academy content in the PAT curriculum, helping experts harness and utilize these courses.
In September 2025, CCF will also launch an open call for sponsored internships.
In January 2026, judges will award 20 top applicants with fully funded sponsorships for hands-on field training.
From this cohort, five graduates will win two-month internships at leading African protected areas, gaining real-world experience and mentorship.
Candidates are required to complete the online course before training begins in March 2026 in South Africa or Kenya (location based on demand).
Candidates will be selected based on CVs, practical assessments and interviews, all reviewed by CCF’s technical experts.