Released in June 2026, the framework establishes a national approach to identifying, assessing, managing and mitigating cybersecurity risks as Somalia accelerates digital transformation across government institutions, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, financial services and other essential sectors.
Somalia has launched a comprehensive National Cybersecurity Risk Management Framework aimed at strengthening the country’s cyber resilience and protecting critical information infrastructure (CII) from growing digital threats. Released in June 2026, the framework establishes a national approach to identifying, assessing, managing and mitigating cybersecurity risks as Somalia accelerates digital transformation across government institutions, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, financial services and other essential sectors.
The framework was introduced by the Ministry of Communications and Technology (MoCT), with Minister Mohamed Adam Moalim emphasizing that cybersecurity has become a national priority as Somalia expands its digital economy. He said the framework provides baseline cybersecurity requirements, governance principles and risk management controls designed to strengthen resilience, protect critical infrastructure and ensure the continuity of essential digital services. The minister also stressed that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility requiring strong collaboration between government, industry and other stakeholders.
The National Communications Authority (NCA), which serves as Somalia’s lead cybersecurity regulator, said the framework provides organizations with a practical and structured methodology for identifying, assessing and mitigating cyber risks while aligning with international standards and Somalia’s operational environment. According to NCA Director General Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, the framework is intended to improve regulatory oversight, institutional resilience, cyber preparedness and informed risk-based decision-making across both the public and private sectors.
Under the framework, all public and private sector organizations that own or operate Critical Information Infrastructure are required to implement the prescribed cybersecurity risk assessment processes. These organizations must identify and prioritize cyber risks affecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of their information assets, conduct regular cybersecurity risk assessments and submit annual risk assessment reports to the National Communications Authority in accordance with the Somalia Cybersecurity Act.
The framework adopts internationally recognized standards, including ISO/IEC 27000 and ISO/IEC 27005, to guide cybersecurity governance. It outlines a structured risk management process covering asset identification, threat analysis, risk evaluation and risk treatment. Organizations are required to identify critical business processes, information assets, hardware, software, networks and supporting infrastructure before grouping them into security domains to enable consistent risk assessment and protection.
Beyond risk assessment, the document introduces sector-specific business impact models covering defense, public safety, critical infrastructure and financial services. It also includes appendices on a national cybersecurity maturity model, emerging technology risk management guidelines and a change management strategy, providing organizations with a roadmap to progressively strengthen cybersecurity capabilities and enhance the resilience of Somalia’s digital ecosystem.
