The initiative represents a key step in strengthening Somalia’s cyber resilience and supporting the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.
National Communications Authority (Somalia) has announced the launch of Somalia’s first national cybersecurity response center, the Somalia Computer Incident Response Team (SOMCIRT), aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to prevent and respond to cyber threats.
The center was officially inaugurated in Mogadishu on March 7, 2026, by Hamza Abdi Barre, Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia. SOMCIRT will serve as a national coordination hub responsible for detecting, preventing, and responding to cybersecurity incidents across the country.
During the launch ceremony, Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, Director General of the National Communications Authority, explained that the establishment of the center followed extensive national consultations and technical assessments aimed at improving Somalia’s capacity to tackle cyber threats and safeguard critical digital infrastructure.
Mohamed Hassan Mohamed, Somalia’s Minister of Communications and Technology, highlighted the growing need for stronger cybersecurity systems as digital services continue to expand across the country. He noted that the new center will play a vital role in protecting government institutions, telecommunications networks, and other critical sectors.
Operating under the National Communications Authority, SOMCIRT will coordinate national responses to cyber incidents, provide threat alerts and warnings, support incident reporting, and promote cybersecurity awareness and collaboration among government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international partners. The initiative represents a key step in strengthening Somalia’s cyber resilience and supporting the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.
