At Cisco, we consider expertise exists in every single place—however alternative doesn’t. That’s why our Be taught with Cisco packages are designed to open doorways to digital expertise and certifications that may change lives and communities.
In partnership with NIL Studying, we just lately launched Venture 525: an modern curriculum that helps IT and networking professionals put together for the distinguished Cisco Licensed Internetwork Skilled. With a deal with reaching learners in areas the place technical certifications may be cost-prohibitive and restricted, reminiscent of sub-Saharan Africa, Venture 525 goals to assist bridge the digital divide.
Venture 525 is a part of Cisco’s broader studying ecosystem, which provides structured, outcome-based studying paths and certifications. Whereas Venture 525 is a flagship CCIE preparation program, Be taught with Cisco enhances it by offering in depth coaching in automation, safety, AI, and networking applied sciences, supporting professionals worldwide.
Bridging the digital divide
Cisco’s involvement in Venture 525 displays its broader dedication to empowering expertise around the globe, together with in areas reminiscent of Sub-Saharan Africa the place the variety of CCIE-certified professionals has traditionally been low. Venture 525 goals to considerably enhance expert-level engineers by making this system extra reasonably priced and accessible throughout international locations reminiscent of South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.
Martin Camp, Managing Director of NIL Knowledge SA, explains, “This system’s affordability and accessibility are key to its success on this area, the place bridging the digital and knowledge divide is vital.”
This regional focus helps Cisco’s Goal to Powering an Inclusive Future for All by enabling native professionals to achieve world-class expertise and contribute to their communities’ digital transformation.
This strategy has enabled important uptake and success throughout the area and addressing the infrastructure and financial challenges distinctive to those markets.
Pondering like an knowledgeable
On the earth of elite networking certifications, technical data is simply a part of the equation. True experience lies in the way you suppose. Venture 525 facilities round this concept—coaching individuals not simply to memorize options, however to suppose like seasoned specialists. At its core, this system emphasizes psychological simulation and self-verification, empowering engineers to mentally stroll by means of complicated situations, anticipate outcomes, and confirm their reasoning earlier than even touching a keyboard.
As a result of the CCIE certification holds the popularity as probably the most difficult within the networking trade, with demanding necessities and excessive failure charges, professionals who search this credential typically face steep studying curves that require complicated problem-solving.
The expert-level mindset that Venture 525 helps is strengthened by means of a finely tuned curriculum, top-tier instruction, and a powerful peer neighborhood, all designed to bridge the hole between understanding and software. Contributors don’t simply examine networking; they study to resolve issues with readability, confidence, and precision as a CCIE.
This system requires a year-long dedication, immersing individuals in rigorous coursework, labs, and sensible workouts that deepen data and software expertise to make sure individuals perceive networking ideas and may apply them successfully in real-world situations.
Based on Camp, Venture 525 “empowers Cisco Licensed Community Professionals (CCNPs) to advance to expert-level proficiency by means of a rigorous, hands-on curriculum tailor-made to the distinctive infrastructure and financial challenges of Sub-Saharan Africa.”
Cisco’s dedication to Venture 525 extends internally as properly, with plans to enroll 200 of its personal engineers from the Technical Help Heart (TAC) and Gross sales. This funding underscores Cisco’s confidence in this system, serving to to develop the subsequent era of CCIEs and fostering a tradition of problem-solving and innovation.
Testimonials of influence
NTT, a world know-how and IT providers firm with a powerful presence in Africa, is certainly one of Cisco’s largest channel companions within the APJC area. This system didn’t simply put together these college students for a certification—it remodeled the best way they strategy challenges, collaborate with friends, and contribute to high-stakes initiatives. Venture 525 isn’t only a examine plan; it’s a shift in mindset—and it’s producing real-world success.
Based on Mark Jessiman, VP Know-how Options at NTT, “Getting access to high quality lab tools and environments with the correct assist actually gave our staff the sense of confidence that they have been going to make it by means of this system and likewise the assist to beat the challenges that they skilled alongside the best way.”
This assist system is a cornerstone of this system’s methodology, because it continues to increase in sub-Saharan Africa. “The burning aspiration of holding that CCIE qualification is one thing that’s seen as an actual certification milestone, shared Kristy Phaal, SVP of Human Assets at NTT Knowledge. “In Africa, accessibility is de facto the important thing.”
International growth
Venture 525’s success in Sub-Saharan Africa has sparked international growth plans. This system is launching cohorts in Europe and getting ready for progress within the Americas and Asia Pacific.
- European cohorts: Venture 525 is getting ready to launch its first European cohort, extending this system’s attain and affect within the networking neighborhood.
- Accessibility in Africa: Efforts proceed to make this system reasonably priced and accessible, empowering professionals throughout Sub-Saharan Africa with world-class coaching, addressing infrastructure and financial challenges distinctive to the area.
- US growth: With rising demand in america, Venture 525 might quickly deliver its intensive CCIE-focused curriculum to American professionals. To assist this progress, strategic planning is underway for occasions, partnerships, and in-person classes.
Venture 525 is greater than a certification pathway—it’s a strategic initiative that aligns with Cisco’s Goal by bridging the digital divide, empowering professionals in underserved areas, and cultivating expert-level pondering that drives real-world influence.
