Somalia has launched a national cybersecurity response center aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats as digital services expand across the nation.
The new center, known as the Somalia Computer Incident Response Team (SOMCIRT), was officially launched on Saturday, March 7. The initiative is designed to coordinate responses to cybersecurity incidents and enhance the protection of Somalia’s critical digital infrastructure.
Somalia,The establishment of SOMCIRT follows the passage of the Somalia Cybersecurity Law 2026 by the Somali parliament in January 2026. The legislation mandates the creation of a national cybersecurity response body responsible for overseeing incident management, strengthening cyber resilience, and promoting coordination among institutions.
According to the National Communications Authority of Somalia, the center will support cybersecurity incident reporting, issue alerts and warnings, and coordinate responses to cyber threats across government agencies, telecommunications providers, and other key sectors. The authority said the center will also promote cybersecurity awareness among institutions and the wider public.
Officials say the initiative comes at a time when digital services are expanding rapidly across Somalia, increasing both opportunities and risks. Government leaders view stronger cybersecurity systems as essential to protecting public institutions, telecommunications infrastructure, and the broader digital ecosystem.
Mohamed Hassan Mohamed highlighted the importance of the new initiative, stating that the rapid growth of digital services in Somalia makes stronger cyber defenses a national priority.
“As digital services continue to grow across Somalia, strengthening cybersecurity systems is essential to protect government institutions, telecommunications infrastructure and other critical sectors,” he said. “SOMCIRT will play a key role in ensuring that our digital ecosystem remains secure and resilient.”
The launch of the incident response center is part of a broader effort by Somalia to strengthen its cybersecurity governance and regulatory framework. In recent years, the government has introduced several reforms aimed at improving digital security and establishing clearer rules for managing cyber risks.
In August 2025, Somali authorities approved a cybercrime bill intended to strengthen the legal framework for investigating and prosecuting cyber-related offenses. Earlier reforms also include the adoption of a data protection law in March 2023, which led to the creation of the Agence de protection des données to oversee the enforcement of data privacy regulations.
In addition to domestic reforms, Somalia has expanded international cooperation in cybersecurity and digital policy. In February 2026, the country signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkey covering several areas of digital collaboration, including cybersecurity development and capacity building. Somalia has also strengthened cooperation with Malaysia and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on initiatives aimed at combating cybercrime and improving digital governance.
These efforts reflect a broader trend across Africa, where governments are increasingly prioritizing cybersecurity as digital economies expand and more services move online. Protecting critical infrastructure, financial systems, and government networks has become a key policy priority for many countries seeking to benefit from digital transformation while minimizing associated risks.
Background to Cybersecurity in Somalia
Despite these advances, Somalia still faces challenges in building a fully mature cybersecurity ecosystem. According to the International Telecommunication Union, Somalia ranked in Tier 4 out of 5 in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, with an overall score of 37.39 out of 100. The ranking indicates that the country must continue strengthening technical capabilities, legal frameworks, and capacity development in the cybersecurity sector.
Analysts say the creation of SOMCIRT represents a significant step toward improving Somalia’s resilience to cyber threats. By centralizing incident response, promoting cooperation among stakeholders, and enhancing national awareness of cybersecurity risks, the center is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s growing digital infrastructure.
As Somalia continues its digital transformation, officials believe that stronger cybersecurity institutions will be vital to maintaining trust in online services and ensuring that technological growth contributes to economic development and national security.
