Somalia Advances National Cybersecurity with Stakeholder Consultation on Risk Management Framework

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Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has convened a national consultation to develop the country’s Cybersecurity Risk Management and Compliance Framework. The multi-stakeholder process marks a significant step in operationalizing the recently enacted Cybersecurity Law and strengthening the nation’s digital defenses amid rapid digitization.

On or around April 25, 2026, the NCA brought together government institutions, private sector representatives, educational bodies, civil society, and technical experts for input on the draft framework. The goal is to create a comprehensive document covering risk identification, regulatory compliance, operational security, and institutional responsibilities to protect critical digital infrastructure.

NCA Director General Mustafa Yasin Sheikh urged participants to provide detailed feedback on the document’s components. State Minister of Communications and Technology Ahmed Osman Dirie emphasized the need for safeguards as technology permeates education, business, and daily life.

This initiative builds directly on key prior developments:

• January 2026: Parliament approved the Cybersecurity Law, which establishes a national governance structure, defines roles for the Ministry of Communications, NCA, and critical infrastructure operators, and formalizes the Somalia Computer Incident Response Team (SOMCIRT).
• March 2026: Launch of SOMCIRT as the national hub for incident response, monitoring, and coordination.
• Earlier efforts include data protection legislation, partnerships (e.g., with CyberSecurity Malaysia for training and certifications), and responses to incidents like the 2025 e-visa platform breach.

Somalia is expanding e-government, mobile services, and digital infrastructure, increasing exposure to cyber threats in a region facing rising digital risks.

A robust risk management framework is essential for:

• Safeguarding critical information infrastructure (e.g., telecom, finance, energy, government systems).
• Building trust in digital services to support economic growth and inclusion.
• Aligning with international standards while addressing local realities, including capacity gaps and coordination challenges.

The framework will guide compliance, incident handling, and resilience across public and private sectors, helping Somalia move from reactive measures toward proactive governance.

The consultation outcomes will inform finalization of the framework. No full launch of the completed document has been announced; this represents the drafting and input-gathering phase. Implementation capacity training, enforcement, and resources will be key tests, especially given Somalia’s developing digital ecosystem and history of institutional challenges.

Officials and experts stress the importance of ongoing collaboration between government, private sector, academia, and international partners to translate policy into effective protection.

Somalia’s push for a national Cybersecurity Risk Management and Compliance Framework signals growing recognition of digital security as a cornerstone of its development agenda. While foundational laws and institutions like SOMCIRT are now in place, the real impact will depend on effective rollout, stakeholder buy-in, and sustained investment in capabilities. This consultation is a practical step toward a more resilient digital future in one of Africa’s fastest-digitizing fragile states.