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ACRC, Africa Cybersecurity Resource Center

AFP-EXL

Executive Leadership, Impact & Influence in Cybersecurity

The AFP-EXL track is ACRC's distinctive programme on the African market: it bridges the gap between technical command of cybersecurity and the ability to exert real influence at board, executive committee and regulator level. It is designed for professionals who master their field but want to develop their executive presence: impactful communication, decision-making under pressure, leadership in a crisis, and high-level stakeholder management. Intensive coaching format, delivered by certified coaches and former executives of the African financial sector.

Who it is for

  • CISOs, CIOs and operational risk directors who want to strengthen their influence with the board and the executive committee
  • AFP professionals (any track) preparing to take up a managerial role
  • Serving directors who want to work on their leadership presence in a cyber context
  • High-potential staff identified by their institution for security leadership roles

Certification levels

AFP-EXL Foundation

Prerequisites
AFP certification in a professional track (or at least 5 years of managerial experience)
Total duration
2 days (14h), immersive workshop format
Exam format
Simulated 15-minute executive presentation before a joint panel (executives + coach) + structured feedback
Practical exam location
ACRC centre or on site
Validity
3 years (recertification required)

Curriculum

  1. Your professional brand as a cyber expert: how do you see yourself, and how are you seen?

    Introspective workshop + 360° assessment

    2h

  2. Impactful communication with executives: translating technical issues into business and governance stakes

    Group coaching + reframing exercises

    3h

  3. Convincing a board or executive committee: structuring arguments, handling objections, securing a decision

    Board presentation simulation

    3h

  4. Influence without hierarchical authority: coalition-building, negotiation and alignment techniques

    Executive role play

    3h

  5. Assessed presentation and coach debriefing

    Simulation + individual coaching

    3h

Skills acquired

  • Translate cyber issues into decision-making language a board can understand
  • Structure a convincing 10 to 15-minute executive presentation
  • Exert influence on leadership functions without hierarchical authority
  • Identify and work on areas for development in leadership presence

Registration request

Leave your details: the ACRC team will confirm the dates and practical details of the next session.

AFP-EXL · Executive Leadership, Impact & Influence in Cybersecurity

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