Shield Tech Hub Leads Rwanda’s Fight Against Cybercrime

Kigali, Rwanda - Shield Tech Hub, a Rwandan cybersecurity company based at Norrsken House Kigali, is gaining recognition for its innovative approach to fighting cybercrime. Founded three years ago by technology expert Joel Gashayija, the firm infiltrates cybercriminal networks to uncover their methods and alert Rwandan companies to potential threats before attacks occur.

The company currently serves over 30 public and private organizations, providing digital defense services, security audits, and specialized training. It also collaborates closely with the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA) to build local expertise.

Shield Tech Hub showcased its work during the launch of the International Model Institute for Cyber Security and Privacy (Cyber Academy) - a new center expected to train more than 200 cybersecurity professionals annually, with women representing at least 30% of trainees.

One of Shield Tech Hub’s signature innovations is Threat Informant, a Rwandan-built system that scans dark web markets to detect leaked corporate data such as passwords, financial information, and internal documents. The system analyzes these threats and provides actionable intelligence to clients, helping them close security gaps.

“When we tell them what cybercriminals are planning, they strengthen their systems and eliminate vulnerabilities,” said Gashayija. “This is homegrown technology built in Rwanda.”

The company’s team of 13 trained young professionals-many recruited as students-has become part of Rwanda’s growing pool of cybersecurity specialists. Yet, Gashayija acknowledges that as cybercriminals evolve their tactics, constant innovation is required to stay ahead.

According to Interpol’s 2025 Cybersecurity Report, cybercrime in East and West Africa has risen by 30% since 2019, costing the continent more than $3 billion. To address these threats, Rwanda is investing in education and capacity-building through initiatives such as the Cyber Academy, the University of Rwanda Coding Academy, and national programs aimed at training one million coding experts and 500,000 advanced technology specialists by 2029.