Somalia Launches Cyber Incident Response Centre to Protect Government Data

Somalia, March 7, 2026 - Somalia has inaugurated its first national cyber Incident emergency response centre in Mogadishu to protect state and citizen data from increasing digital threats.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre officially opened the facility known as the Somalia Computer Incident Response Team (SOMCERT), an initiative established by the National Communications Authority (NCA).

"Data has become the foundation of modern life," Barre stated during the ceremony on Saturday. "It is important that the country's data, along with that of government institutions and the public, is protected from anything that could cause harm."

The launch follows a major security breach of the government's E-visa system last year which exposed the personal information of thousands of travellers.

Minister of Communications and Technology Mohamed Hassan Mohamed noted that the centre would provide immediate relief to a public concerned persistent cyberattacks.

Manchester City Come From Behind to Beat Newcastle 3–1 and Reach FA Cup Quarter Finals

Somali Judge Sworn in as Member of East African Court of Justice

"We are announcing to the nation that we are now ready to resist cyberattacks,” he added.

Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, General Manager of the NCA, detailed the centre's core mandates as detecting and mitigating cyberattacks, monitoring systems to identify technical weaknesses, and providing technical guidance to government agencies. He emphasized that SOMCERT is a "new beginning" for the country's digital sovereignty.

The Ministry confirmed that 45 officials from various government departments are currently undergoing the first phase of specialized training to manage and defend national data systems.

This initiative aligns with the recently passed National Cybersecurity Law, aimed at safeguarding Somalia's digital economy where mobile money transactions now account for a significant portion of daily commerce.

More articles for you

Egyptian, U.S. Foreign Ministers Situation in Somalia and Sudan

Ethiopia Launches Voter Registration, Voter Card Distribution Ahead of National Elections