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At Cisco, we believe talent exists everywhere—but opportunity doesn’t. That’s why our Learn with Cisco programs are designed to open doors to digital skills and certifications that can change lives and communities.
In partnership with NIL Learning, we recently launched Project 525: an innovative curriculum that helps IT and networking professionals prepare for the prestigious Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert. With a focus on reaching learners in areas where technical certifications can be cost-prohibitive and limited, such as sub-Saharan Africa, Project 525 aims to help bridge the digital divide.
Project 525 is part of Cisco’s broader learning ecosystem, which offers structured, outcome-based learning paths and certifications. While Project 525 is a flagship CCIE preparation program, Learn with Cisco complements it by providing extensive training in automation, security, AI, and networking technologies, supporting professionals worldwide.
Bridging the digital divide
Cisco’s involvement in Project 525 reflects its broader commitment to empowering talent around the world, including in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa where the number of CCIE-certified professionals has historically been low. Project 525 aims to significantly increase expert-level engineers by making the program more affordable and accessible across countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.
Martin Camp, Managing Director of NIL Data SA, explains, “The program’s affordability and accessibility are key to its success in this region, where bridging the digital and data divide is critical.”
This regional focus supports Cisco’s Purpose to Powering an Inclusive Future for All by enabling local professionals to gain world-class skills and contribute to their communities’ digital transformation.
This approach has enabled significant uptake and success across the region and addressing the infrastructure and economic challenges unique to these markets.
Thinking like an expert
In the world of elite networking certifications, technical knowledge is only part of the equation. True expertise lies in how you think. Project 525 centers around this idea—training participants not just to memorize solutions, but to think like seasoned experts. At its core, the program emphasizes mental simulation and self-verification, empowering engineers to mentally walk through complex scenarios, anticipate outcomes, and verify their reasoning before even touching a keyboard.
Because the CCIE certification holds the reputation as one of the most challenging in the networking industry, with demanding requirements and high failure rates, professionals who seek this credential often face steep learning curves that require complex problem-solving.
The expert-level mindset that Project 525 supports is reinforced through a finely tuned curriculum, top-tier instruction, and a strong peer community, all designed to bridge the gap between understanding and application. Participants don’t just study networking; they learn to solve problems with clarity, confidence, and precision as a CCIE.
The program requires a year-long commitment, immersing participants in rigorous coursework, labs, and practical exercises that deepen knowledge and application skills to ensure participants understand networking concepts and can apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
According to Camp, Project 525 “empowers Cisco Certified Network Professionals (CCNPs) to advance to expert-level proficiency through a rigorous, hands-on curriculum tailored to the unique infrastructure and economic challenges of Sub-Saharan Africa.”
Cisco’s commitment to Project 525 extends internally as well, with plans to enroll 200 of its own engineers from the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) and Sales. This investment underscores Cisco’s confidence in the program, helping to develop the next generation of CCIEs and fostering a culture of problem-solving and innovation.
Testimonials of impact
NTT, a global technology and IT services company with a strong presence in Africa, is one of Cisco’s largest channel partners in the APJC region. The program didn’t just prepare these students for a certification—it transformed the way they approach challenges, collaborate with peers, and contribute to high-stakes projects. Project 525 isn’t just a study plan; it’s a shift in mindset—and it’s producing real-world success.
According to Mark Jessiman, VP Technology Solutions at NTT, “Having access to quality lab equipment and environments with the right support really gave our employees the sense of confidence that they were going to make it through the program and also the support to overcome the challenges that they experienced along the way.”
This support system is a cornerstone of the program’s methodology, as it continues to expand in sub-Saharan Africa. “The burning aspiration of holding that CCIE qualification is something that is seen as a real certification milestone, shared Kristy Phaal, SVP of Human Resources at NTT Data. “In Africa, accessibility is really the key.”
Global expansion
Project 525’s success in Sub-Saharan Africa has sparked global expansion plans. The program is launching cohorts in Europe and preparing for growth in the Americas and Asia Pacific.
- European cohorts: Project 525 is preparing to launch its first European cohort, extending the program’s reach and influence in the networking community.
- Accessibility in Africa: Efforts continue to make the program affordable and accessible, empowering professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa with world-class training, addressing infrastructure and economic challenges unique to the region.
- US expansion: With growing demand in the United States, Project 525 may soon bring its intensive CCIE-focused curriculum to American professionals. To support this growth, strategic planning is underway for events, partnerships, and in-person sessions.
Project 525 is more than a certification pathway—it is a strategic initiative that aligns with Cisco’s Purpose by bridging the digital divide, empowering professionals in underserved regions, and cultivating expert-level thinking that drives real-world impact.
