• Program aims to strengthen data protection and cyber threat response
• Initiative builds on new laws, partnerships, and national cyber strategy

Somalia's government announced Sunday the launch of a specialized cybersecurity training program for ICT professionals in the public sector. The initiative, which offers internationally recognized certifications, aims to enhance participants' ability to protect national data and respond to growing cyber threats.

The training is supervised by the National Communications Authority (NCA) in partnership with the World Bank Group. The program includes modules ranging from basic to advanced cybersecurity topics, including protection of computer systems, incident management and response, cloud data security, and how to implement and audit organizational security policies. It also covers best practices in risk management and information systems security governance. Courses will take place in Mogadishu through online platforms and in Nairobi, Kenya, between March 28 and May 8.

"This training program forms part of the Authority’s efforts to strengthen the protection of Somalia’s digital infrastructure, secure national data, and address the increasing risks of cyber threats. It will also contribute to building the capacity of government personnel to effectively protect national digital systems and services," said Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, director general of the NCA.

The initiative comes as Somalia steps up efforts to secure the national cyberspace against rising threats. On March 7, the country launched the Somalia Computer Incident Response Team (SOMCIRT), as mandated under the Cybersecurity Law, which the parliament approved in January 2026. In August 2025, Somalia passed a cybercrime bill. The Data Protection Law, which entered into force in March 2023, also led to the creation of the Data Protection Agency (DPA), tasked with overseeing its enforcement.

Strengthening the legal framework and international cooperation

Somalia is also deepening international cooperation to tap external expertise. On Feb. 10, the country signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkey spanning several areas of the digital sector, including cybersecurity. Somalia has also partnered with Malaysia, Nigeria and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), among other partners. The Horn of Africa nation is additionally a signatory to the Malabo Convention, which aims to strengthen Africa's legal framework on cybersecurity, data protection and the fight against cybercrime.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considers cybersecurity a prerequisite for countries looking to fully benefit from ICT opportunities. In its Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, the ITU ranked Somalia in the fourth tier (Tier 4) out of five. The country recorded an overall score of 37.39 out of 100 and needs to strengthen efforts, particularly in the areas of technical measures, legislation and capacity building.

Isaac K. Kassouwi