Ethiopia reviews Draft Cybersecurity Proclamation to protect critical infrastructure

By:  Robert Kwaku Annor

Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives is reviewing a Draft Cybersecurity Proclamation aimed at strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure against growing cyber threats.

The Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee held discussions with experts on the proposed legislation, which is intended to enhance national preparedness and resilience in the face of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks targeting both public and private systems.

Committee Chair Dima Negeo said the draft law will serve as a key instrument in safeguarding essential infrastructure from cyber risks. He noted that the committee will continue consultations with stakeholders before submitting its recommendations for further legislative consideration.

Vice Chair Fethi Mahdi emphasized that rapid global technological advancement has led to a rise in the frequency and complexity of cyberattacks. He stated that the proposed proclamation is expected to play a significant role in reinforcing national sovereignty through improved protection of critical systems.

Director General of the Information Network Security Administration, Tigist Hamid, highlighted the increasing scale of cyber threats and their potential impact on both the economy and daily life. She noted that the draft law would establish a stronger regulatory framework to mitigate risks, enhance legal protections, and improve competitiveness in the digital economy.

She further indicated that the legislation would introduce security clearance requirements for technology developers as part of broader efforts to reduce vulnerabilities within national digital infrastructure.

The discussions form part of Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity architecture and ensure the resilience of critical infrastructure in an increasingly digital environment.