Somalia is stepping up efforts to protect its rapidly growing digital sector, as the country’s telecommunications regulator moves forward with a new cybersecurity initiative aimed at addressing emerging threats.

The National Communications Authority (NCA) convened a high-level meeting in Mogadishu on April 25, bringing together representatives from government institutions, private companies, academic bodies, civil society, and technology experts. The session focused on shaping a national Cybersecurity Risk Management and Compliance Framework.

The proposed framework is intended to establish clear guidelines for identifying cyber risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and defining responsibilities across institutions.

NCA Director General Mustafa Yasin Sheikh called on participants to thoroughly examine the draft and contribute detailed feedback to strengthen the final document.

Speaking at the opening of the event, State Minister for Communications and Technology Ahmed Osman Dirie highlighted the growing role of digital technology across sectors such as education, business, and everyday life. He stressed that stronger safeguards are necessary to prevent potential risks, noting that the NCA has been tasked with leading the development of the framework.

Discussions during the meeting centered on improving threat detection, building effective compliance systems, and clarifying the roles of different stakeholders in maintaining cybersecurity.

Once finalized, the framework is expected to play a key role in strengthening Somalia’s overall cybersecurity governance and enhancing the resilience of its digital infrastructure.

According to the NCA, feedback gathered from the consultation will be incorporated into the final version of the framework.