By Hanad Abdi - Reporter
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MOGADISHU, 27 Oct — The 4th National Cybersecurity Forum opened in Mogadishu on Tuesday, bringing together the National Communications Authority (NCA) and Mogadishu University as demand for digital services grows in Somalia.
The two-day forum has brought together government officials, telecommunications and technology companies, banks, universities, researchers and cybersecurity experts.
The forum aims to strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent cyber threats, protect digital infrastructure and promote cooperation between the government, educational institutions and the private sector.
The Minister of Communications and Technology, MP Mohamed Adan Mo’allin who officially opened the forum, commended the NCA and Mogadishu University for organising the event for the fourth consecutive year.
The minister highlighted Somalia’s launch of the Somali Computer Incident Response Team (SOMCIRT) in March 2026 and said the government plans to launch the National Cybersecurity Academy later this year.
He urged participants to exchange ideas and develop practical recommendations to strengthen cybersecurity and raise public awareness across Somalia.
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NCA Director General Mustafa Yasin Sheikh outlined progress in cybersecurity, including the establishment of SOMCIRT, capacity-building programmes for government officials and public awareness initiatives aimed at addressing digital threats.
He said these achievements provide an important foundation for strengthening cybersecurity in Somalia, emphasising the need to share knowledge and expertise and develop practical solutions to emerging threats.
Mogadishu University President Dr Ibrahim Mohamed Mursal said universities play a vital role in training professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address cybersecurity challenges, particularly as technology-related threats continue to evolve.
He also highlighted the establishment of a new department at the university dedicated to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, as part of broader efforts to develop Somalia’s digital knowledge and skills.
The forum features discussions on cybersecurity governance, digital infrastructure protection, emerging cyber threats and national incident response mechanisms.
Particular emphasis is being placed on integrating security into the design and development of digital systems, rather than waiting until vulnerabilities are exploited or security incidents occur.