Somalia Launches Global ACE Cybersecurity Certification Framework

By Zamzam Osman - Reporter

Somalia, 15 December 2025- Somalia has taken a significant step toward strengthening its national cybersecurity capacity with the launch of the Global Accredited Cybersecurity Education (Global ACE) framework, a globally recognized and vendor-neutral certification system aligned with international standards.

The initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Communications Authority (NCA) and CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) to establish the Global ACE Somalia Country Chapter, marking the first time the framework will be formally deployed in the country.

Global ACE is an industry-driven certification scheme developed in collaboration with governments, academia, and the private sector. It aligns with international standards including ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17024, and ISO/IEC 27001, ensuring certified professionals meet globally accepted benchmarks for competence, integrity, and ethical conduct.

Under the agreement, SIMAD University will host the Global ACE Somalia Country Chapter, supporting the delivery of cybersecurity certifications, professional training, and national capacity-building programmes.

The Country Chapter model allows for harmonized standards, mutual recognition of qualifications, and cross-border collaboration in cybersecurity education and training.

Officials say the partnership is expected to support technology transfer, strengthen local training institutions, create employment opportunities, and contribute to sustainable economic growth through international cooperation.

The Global ACE framework is designed to support cybersecurity talent across three levels: students and entry-level learners, technical practitioners such as analysts and engineers, and senior professionals including experts and strategic leaders.

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The certification process requires candidates to pass standardized examinations and complete competency validation, ensuring consistency and quality across all certified professionals.

Certification applications must be submitted within three years of completing the examination

Global ACE officials say the framework aims to promote continuous professional development while supporting organizations by assuring them of the competence and ethical standards of certified professionals.

The Global ACE programme offers more than 20 cybersecurity certification tracks, covering areas such as penetration testing, digital forensics, incident response, data privacy, cloud security, cyber law, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity risk management. In addition, the framework provides competency-based training programmes ranging from foundational cybersecurity skills to advanced specialization in areas such as malware analysis and dark-web intelligence.

Globally, Global ACE has trained and certified thousands of professionals across more than 40 countries and is recognized by international bodies including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), cybersecurity authorities, and member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

Somali officials say the introduction of Global ACE comes as the country accelerates digital transformation efforts across government services, finance, and communications, increasing the need for a skilled cybersecurity workforce capable of protecting national systems and critical infrastructure

The Global ACE Somalia Country Chapter is expected to play a central role in building local expertise, improving cybersecurity governance, and positioning Somalia within the global cybersecurity professional ecosystem.

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