Ethiopian youth are playing an increasingly
important role in safeguarding the country’s cyberspace, experts said during a
panel discussion titled “The Role of Youth in
Digital Ethiopia Cybersecurity Protection”. The event was
organized in observance of the 6th
National Cybersecurity Month, in collaboration with the Information Network Security Administration (INSA),
Addis Ababa University of Science and
Technology, the Ethiopian
Cybersecurity Society, and the Ethiopian
Internet Society.
Speaking at the panel, Ato Behailu Adugna,
Director of INSA’s Secure Communication Directorate, highlighted that the rapid
growth of digitalization and smart communications has led to a rise in
cybercrime. He noted that human-related
vulnerabilities remain a major source of cyber threats and
emphasized the critical role of youth in transforming citizens from potential
victims into active defenders of national cyber infrastructure.
Dr.
Berhanu, President of the Ethiopian Cybersecurity Society,
added that professional associations, youth engagement platforms, and
cybersecurity clubs in educational institutions are vital for knowledge sharing
and problem-solving, significantly contributing to the country’s cyber
resilience.
Dr.
Asrat Mulatu, Professor at Addis Ababa University and President
of the Ethiopian Internet Society, stressed that youth involvement is crucial
both nationally and internationally. He called for cooperation between institutions, communities, and citizens
to enhance the country’s ability to respond to cyber threats.
Meanwhile, Ato
Faris Mubarek, CEO of Z-Secured Tech, pointed out that training and self-development are essential pathways for
youth to strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities, enabling
them to contribute effectively to national security.
Ato
Binyam Masresha, Director of Cyber Culture Development at INSA,
highlighted that digitalization cannot
succeed without robust cybersecurity measures and that youth
expertise is central to protecting Ethiopia’s digital assets at home and on the
global stage.
The panel concluded that the current global open job market provides young Ethiopians
with opportunities to apply their cybersecurity skills professionally,
benefiting both the country and the international community.
