Ethiopia builds capacity to foil cyberattacks targeting key institutions, says INSA

Addis Ababa, October 14, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia has built a robust institutional capacity to foil cyber attacks targeting vital sectors, according to Tigist Hamid, Director General of the Information Network Security Administration (INSA).

The announcement was made during the GITEX Global 2024, the largest technology conference in the world currently taking place in Dubai. Both Tigist Hamid and Dr. Worku Gachena, Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, participated in the event.

During a panel discussion on cybersecurity, Tigist stated that Ethiopia is registering digital transformation and rapid economic growth. She noted that the country, like many others, has faced various cyber threats against its institutions.

INSA  is collaborating with relevant agencies to mitigate these cyber risks. Ethiopia has also put in place important legal frameworks to enhance digital platforms and cybersecurity capacity.

Tigist pointed out that Ethiopia has officially launched key infrastructure that provides cybersecurity, particularly in finance, energy, and other development sectors. The agency is equipped to detect cyber attacks promptly.

Furthermore, she revealed that the government is prioritizing education and training to cultivate skilled professionals in the cybersecurity field, citing the partnership with the UAE to train 5 million Ethiopian coders.