By Zakaria Hassan - Reporter
Somalia, 22 December 2025 As the world rapidly adopts advanced technologies, the need for digital security has become essential in today's modern world.
However, in Somalia, like many other African countries, quality training in cyber security is still lacking.
It is the reason why Rowda Daahir, one of Somalia's tech savvy youths, had to go abroad to seek quality training in cybersecurity.
According to Rowda, the demand for cybersecurity expertise is growing in the country, but educational opportunities remain limited.
“The reasons that led me to go abroad include the lack of a university in Somalia offering specialized cybersecurity education, or institutions offering training in this field. This forced me to seek education abroad,” Rowda told Dawan Media.
To address this major challenge and ensure Somalia does not lag behind, Mogadishu recently hosted a two-day forum focusing on the development of digital security in Somalia. The event, a joint initiative by the National Communications Authority and Mogadishu University, gathered government officials, academics, and representatives from private sector entities.
The President of Mogadishu University, Ibrahim Mohamed Mursal, highlighted that digital security has significant opportunities and risks that need to be addressed wisely to leverage the benefits of technological progress, which has greatly impacted daily life worldwide.
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“Digital security has many benefits, although it comes with risks. What we need is to make the most of the positive aspects it offers, as it has greatly simplified daily life globally,” said Mursal.
The Federal Government of Somalia maintains that it is taking the matter seriously, adding that it has already unveiled plans aimed at strengthening digital security to prevent potential risks targeting critical national data.
The Minister of Communications, Mohamed Aden Somali, told the forum that increasing cybersecurity threats prompted the government to give the matter special attention.
“This is an issue that has been growing. The reason we are focusing on it is because there is a huge risk, as the country’s data can easily be compromised. This has made the public aware of the importance of digital security, and we are putting all our efforts into it,” said the Minister.
Abdulqadir Jeylaani Mohamud, who teaches cybersecurity at Somali universities, said though more needs to be done, Somalia is making positive efforts in tackling the challenge particularly in the education sector.
“Before 2020, there were no programs specifically for cybersecurity. Students were forced to go abroad for education in this field. Now, it is clear that this issue is gradually being addressed,” said Mohamud.
This forum, now in its third year, focuses on strengthening the country's digital security, enhancing collaboration between the government and private sector, and raising awareness about shared responsibilities for digital security to reduce the growing risks of the digital world.
