Somalia concludes first government cybersecurity certification programme

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The National Communications Authority of Somalia has concluded the first cohort of its Cybersecurity Certification Training Programme for government officials as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity workforce and protect critical digital infrastructure.

The programme, conducted between March 29 and May 10, 2026, brought together ICT professionals from 21 government institutions and provided training aligned with internationally recognised cybersecurity certifications.

The training was delivered across Mogadishu, online platforms and Nairobi through a structured merit-based programme designed to build technical cybersecurity capacity within government institutions.

A total of 15 participants representing 15 institutions successfully completed the programme and received certificates of completion.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Managing Director of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Mustafa Yasin Sheikh said the successful completion of the first cohort marked an important step toward building a skilled cybersecurity workforce capable of protecting Somalia’s digital systems and critical information infrastructure.

He noted that the authority plans to continue expanding cybersecurity capacity-building initiatives through additional cohorts and strengthened collaboration with international cybersecurity partners.

The programme covered six internationally recognised cybersecurity certifications and was supported by the World Bank Group under the SCALED-UP Project and facilitated by AFRALTI.

The National Communications Authority said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen national cybersecurity resilience and support Somalia’s growing digital transformation agenda.