• Liberia launched a cybersecurity and digital forensics laboratory to strengthen national cyber defense capabilities.
• The infrastructure includes real-time threat monitoring systems, digital forensic tools, and incident response capabilities.
• Interpol estimates cybercrime losses in Africa exceeded $3 billion between 2019 and 2025.

Liberia has launched a cybersecurity and digital forensics laboratory aimed at reinforcing the country’s ability to respond to growing cyber threats.

A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) conducted an inspection visit to the facility on Tuesday, May 12. The regional organization evaluated the laboratory’s compliance and performance levels as part of its monitoring framework for cybersecurity initiatives across member states under its regional cybersecurity strategy.

Advanced Infrastructure Dedicated to Cybersecurity

According to Liberia’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the laboratory includes next-generation digital forensic tools, real-time threat monitoring systems, advanced incident response capabilities, and specialized training equipment.

“This world-class laboratory significantly strengthens the country’s capacity to investigate cybercrime, recover digital evidence, analyze threats, and defend against emerging cyber risks,” the ministry said in a statement published on Facebook.

A previous ministry statement issued in 2024 during the project launch said the laboratory would operate through two main divisions: a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and a digital forensics unit.

The CERT division will respond to digital threats, including cyberattacks and hacking attempts, while also overseeing system monitoring, risk mitigation, and cybersecurity training. Meanwhile, the digital forensics unit will support investigations by enabling law enforcement agencies to collect and analyze digital evidence in cases such as financial fraud and drug trafficking.

A Project Supported by ECOWAS Since 2019

The initiative dates back to 2019, when ECOWAS committed to providing Liberia with approximately $400 million worth of digital forensic equipment, subject to the availability of a suitable site. However, delays linked to securing $100,000 for renovation works slowed implementation for several years. The project nevertheless accelerated in 2024 under the leadership of President Joseph Boakai.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by Liberian authorities to secure national cyberspace amid rising digital threats. In its “Cybercrime Africa Cyberthreat Assessment 2025,” Interpol said the expansion of digital services, social media, e-commerce, and mobile banking had fueled the growth of cybercrime in Africa. The report said cybercrime accounted for more than 30% of reported offenses in West and East Africa in 2024, while cumulative financial losses across the continent between 2019 and 2025 exceeded $3 billion.

Against that backdrop, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has called on governments to strengthen cybersecurity systems in order to fully benefit from digital opportunities. The ITU currently ranks Liberia at the second-lowest tier of its 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index. The organization acknowledged progress in regulatory frameworks and cooperation while continuing to identify weaknesses in technical capacity, organizational structures, and skills development.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum