Somalia Passes Cybersecurity Law to Secure Its Growing Digital Ecosystem

Somalia Passes Cybersecurity Law to Secure Its Growing Digital Ecosystem

Somalia has taken a major step toward strengthening its digital resilience with the approval of a new Cybersecurity Law designed to protect national information systems and critical digital infrastructure. As the country accelerates its adoption of digital technologies, the legislation aims to address rising cyber risks that threaten both public and private sectors.

The new law introduces a national cybersecurity framework that defines how cyber threats are prevented, detected, reported, and managed. It assigns strategic policy leadership to the Ministry of Communications and Technology, while the National Communications Authority (NCA) will oversee technical compliance and implementation.

A cornerstone of the legislation is the establishment of the Somalia Computer Incident Response Team (SOM-CIRT), a national body tasked with coordinating responses to cyber incidents. SOM-CIRT is expected to serve as a centralized hub for threat monitoring, digital forensics, and incident mitigation, strengthening Somalia’s capacity to respond to cyberattacks in real time.

Government officials describe the law as a critical enabler of Somalia’s expanding digital ecosystem, which now includes e-government platforms, mobile financial services, and digital identity systems. As these technologies become more integrated into daily life, ensuring their security has become a national priority.

Beyond enhancing digital security, the law is expected to improve trust in online services, encourage foreign investment in the technology sector, and align Somalia with global cybersecurity standards. It also promotes stronger collaboration between government agencies, telecom operators, financial institutions, and international cybersecurity partners.

For a nation rebuilding its institutions after decades of instability, the Cybersecurity Law represents more than a legal reform—it marks a foundational investment in the country’s digital future. By strengthening cyber governance and institutional readiness, Somalia is positioning itself to build a safer, more resilient, and innovation-friendly digital economy.