Africa’s highest-paid cybersecurity jobs include Cybersecurity Architect, Security Consultant, Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester, Cloud Security Engineer, Information Security Manager, and Malware Analyst.
Salaries for these positions vary by experience, location, and certifications. Experienced specialists in high-demand roles like penetration testing potentially earn significantly more through project-based or remote work.
Top-Paying Cybersecurity Roles
Cybersecurity Architect/Cloud Security Architect: These professionals design and implement complex security systems, with cloud architects specialising in securing cloud environments.
Security Consultant: Consultants provide expert advice on security best practices, risk assessment, and compliance, often working on a project basis.
Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester: These professionals actively search for vulnerabilities in systems to test security robustness. Senior specialists earn high rates, especially for remote or contractor roles.
Information Security Manager: These individuals oversee security operations and strategy within organisations.
Malware Analyst: Experts in analysing and understanding malicious software are in high demand across various sectors.
Application Security Engineer: Focuses on ensuring the security of software applications throughout their lifecycle.
Factors Influencing Salary
Experience:
Senior-level professionals with extensive experience command higher salaries.
Certifications: Holding certifications such as OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) or other industry-recognised credentials can significantly increase earning potential.
Location: Salaries can vary based on the specific country and African economic conditions.
Specialised Skills: Proficiency in areas like cloud security, container exploits, or AI/Machine Learning can lead to higher pay.
Remote Work/Contracting: Many high-paying cybersecurity roles in Africa are remote or project-based, offering opportunities to earn significantly more, sometimes in foreign currencies.
More insight specific to some African countries
Nigeria
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) / Head of Information Security:
These leadership positions command the highest salaries, ranging from ₦12 million to ₦50 million+ per year, depending on company size, regulatory exposure (such as from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)), and the scope of regional or international responsibilities.
Information Security Manager / Security Architect: These roles involve building and managing security programs, owning budgets, and managing stakeholder relationships. Salaries range from approximately ₦900,000 to ₦2.0 million+ per month, particularly in well-funded organisations like banks, telecommunications companies, and oil and gas firms.
Cloud Security Engineer / DevSecOps:
With the increasing adoption of cloud services, these professionals who secure cloud platforms and integrate security into development operations are highly sought after. Salaries typically range from ₦700,000 to ₦1.8 million+ per month, with skills in AWS/Azure security controls and container security leading to higher pay.
Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester / Red Teamer:
These specialists who simulate attacks to identify vulnerabilities can earn significantly, especially as contractors or senior specialists. Their salaries can range from ₦600,000 to ₦2.5 million+ per month equivalent. Certifications like OSCP/OSWE and experience with cloud and container exploits can significantly boost their earning potential.
South Africa
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): According to Payscale, the average salary for a CISO in South Africa is approximately R1,286,578 annually or more. High-demand industries like finance and technology tend to offer higher salaries.
Cyber Security Specialists:
Senior-level cybersecurity specialists in South Africa can expect to earn R660,000 to R1,080,000+ per year.
Cyber Security Consultant:
Salaries for Cyber Security Consultants in South Africa can range between ZAR 26,000 and ZAR 47,000 per month.
Information Security Manager:
Duplo, a fintech startup in Lagos, recently advertised for an Information Security Manager, highlighting the demand for this role within the financial sector.
General trends in Africa
Experience is Key:
As expected, experienced professionals consistently command higher salaries than entry-level candidates across all cybersecurity specialisations.
Certifications Matter:
Obtaining industry-recognised certifications like CISSP, CISM, CEH, and ISO 27001 can significantly increase salary potential and career opportunities.
Location Premiums:
Major tech hubs such as Lagos, Nigeria, and Johannesburg, South Africa, often offer higher salaries due to the concentration of companies, regulatory work, and international presence.
In-Demand Skills:
Cloud security specialists and penetration testers are particularly sought after, often earning higher than the average for cybersecurity roles.
It is important to remember that these are general ranges and actual salaries can vary significantly based on individual qualifications, negotiation skills, and the specific demands of the role and employer.