Yann Harris Charbel Siry is passionate about cybersecurity, computer science, and innovation. At the age of nine, he conceived the "YamCyber" project. Five years later, this 14-year-old from Burkina Faso brought his idea to fruition by developing a web application designed to combat cybercrime in Burkina Faso and across Africa. In his pursuit of innovation, he also launched an educational labeling initiative, again with the aim of raising public awareness about cybersecurity issues.

It all started when he was only 9 years old. At an age still dominated by games, Yann Harris Charbel Siry was already trying to understand how electronic devices worked. Fascinated by his robots and remote-controlled cars, gifts from his parents, he took them apart, observed them, and learned.

"That's how I got into IT. Later, I started designing posters and visuals for clients, relatives and friends," he says.

Despite this growing passion, his studies remain the priority. His parents ensure this is done rigorously. However, giving up computer science is out of the question. Yann is therefore learning to balance the two. "I prioritize my studies. During my free time, weekends and holidays, I dedicate myself fully to computer science," he explains.

Thanks to this discipline, he managed, at only 14 years old, to develop YamCyber. The name is composed of "Yam", which means "intelligence" in the Mooré language, and "Cyber", in reference to computer science, the internet and the digital world.

The web application was designed to combat cybercrime in Burkina Faso and Africa. It offers awareness courses tailored to different audiences, artificial intelligence capable of answering user questions in Mooré, Dioula, and Fulfulde, as well as practical cybersecurity advice.

The mobile version is scheduled to launch on July 20, 2026. It will be available on the Play Store for Android devices and on the App Store for iPhones. Yann also shares an anecdote related to the development of his project. "At the beginning, everything was done by hand, because I didn't have a computer yet ," he confides, with a smile that reveals his passion.

Thanks to YamCyber, the young prodigy won first place in the 9-17 age category at the second edition of the International Fair of Young Geniuses of Faso (FIPEG-FASO). He also received the "Teen Revelation" award .

"This award is an important step in my journey and reinforces my desire to continue developing YamCyber, with the ambition of raising awareness among more young people, schools, universities and organizations about the challenges of cybersecurity and digital innovation ," he says.

Yann Harris Charbel Siry is also behind an educational labeling initiative aimed at making cybersecurity advice more accessible to the general public. Initially, he is targeting students. His idea is to group six essential cybersecurity tips onto a poster. These posters are now displayed in more than thirteen public and private universities across Burkina Faso.

“In practical terms, educational labels serve to make cybersecurity information and advice more accessible. The poster presents six simple tips that help develop good digital habits, avoid scams and better protect your data ,” he explains.

Initial feedback has been very encouraging. "Most students are very satisfied. They find the initiative simple, educational, and impactful ," he reports. This positive feedback strengthens his resolve to continue his project.

Ultimately, Yann hopes to expand the distribution of his educational labels to more universities in Burkina Faso, as well as in several other African countries, including Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Benin, and Togo. He also plans to reach out to public administrations and private companies to strengthen cybercrime prevention efforts.

Yann fully subscribes to the adage that "alone we go faster, together we go further ." He is a member of a youth association committed to fighting cybercrime. In collaboration with the Central Brigade for Combating Cybercrime (BCLCC), he participates in awareness campaigns organized in markets and open-air markets throughout Burkina Faso.

In the long term, Yann aspires to become a major player in cybersecurity in Africa. "When I'm older, I plan to launch an initiative that will bring together young people like me to think together about the development of our beautiful continent ," he says.

In the meantime, he hopes to receive support that will allow him to take the next step in achieving his ambitions. He says he is open to support from the Burkinabe government, private companies, and any individual or organization wishing to contribute to his project.