The Director General of Information Network Security Administration (INSA), Ms. Tigist Hamid, participated in a strategic leadership panel discussion titled “Building a Cyber-Resilient Nation” at the GITEX Africa 2026 international technology conference currently taking place in Morocco, where she shared Ethiopia’s experience in cybersecurity.
During the discussion, Ms. Tigist explained that Ethiopia has transformed its cybersecurity approach from a “Reactive Recovery” model—responding after cyberattacks occur—to a “Sovereign Proactivity” approach. She noted that this strategy focuses on building the technological, human, and infrastructure capabilities necessary to prevent cyberattacks before they happen.
Highlighting Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its digital sovereignty, the Director General outlined several key initiatives, including the development and implementation of a National Cybersecurity Policy, the drafting of legislation requiring critical infrastructure institutions to safeguard their cybersecurity, and the establishment of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and a Sovereign Government Cloud. She also explained that Ethiopia is addressing previous challenges such as dependence on foreign technologies and the migration of skilled professionals by shifting from merely purchasing foreign technologies to developing locally designed cybersecurity solutions and innovations.
Regarding international cooperation, Ms. Tigist emphasized that while collaboration is essential for technology transfer and information sharing, it must be balanced in a way that preserves national data sovereignty and protects a country's control over its digital assets.
She further noted that AI-enabled cyber threats and social engineering attacks that exploit human psychology are becoming increasingly sophisticated. To address these challenges, Ethiopia is investing heavily in programs aimed at raising cybersecurity awareness among citizens and fostering a strong national cybersecurity culture.
Ms. Tigist also highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), noting that the country has advanced to Tier 3. She stated that Ethiopia remains committed to further improving its ranking and ensuring that the country’s digital transformation journey is built upon a secure and resilient cybersecurity foundation, thereby supporting sustainable national prosperity.
