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Somalia has teamed up with CyberSecurity Malaysia and got its first Global ACE cybersecurity certification thing going.
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SIMAD University in Mogadishu is going to host the program, with a bunch of certification courses— more than 20.
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The whole point is to get people jobs and teach them how to keep Somalia’s online stuff safe and sound.
Somalia is starting a major program to train and certify its own cybersecurity folks. This is a real move to get better at and push for digital changes.
They’ve joined forces with professionals from Malaysia to build a legit training and certification spot right in Mogadishu.
Somalia’s Strategic Partnership with Malaysia to Move Digital Security
Somalia’s digital landscape is growing fast. Over half the population now uses the internet. The government is rolling out e-visas and digital payments. This progress demands stronger cyber defenses.
The new cybersecurity chapter is a direct result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). It was signed between Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA) and CyberSecurity Malaysia. This is part of a broader set of agreements with Malaysian agencies.
“We are committed to building a secure digital future,” officials said. The partnership focuses on skill transfer and creating jobs.
Building a Local Cybersecurity Workforce
The Global ACE framework is not a training session running over just a few days – rather, it’s a full professional certification program based on well-established global industry standards, such as the ISO/IEC 27001.
SIMAD University will host the program. It will offer training across three career levels. These levels are for students, technical staff, and senior leaders. There are more than 20 fields available for anyone to choose from, and digital forensics and AI security are key areas to look at. Forensics skills are crucial for investigating breaches that often lead back to illicit activities on the dark web.
To get certified, candidates must pass exams. They must also validate their practical skills. The goal is to ensure all certified professionals meet a trusted global benchmark.
This local chapter provides a significant benefit. Certifications earned in Somalia will be recognized in over 40 other countries. This gives Somali professionals international career mobility.
Securing Somalia’s Digital Future
So, this launch is timed perfectly, especially since Somalia is finishing up its Digital Transformation Strategy for 2025-2030. The big idea? Enhance the digital economy and create more opportunities for more people to work in tech.
Having people with the skills to do those jobs is super important for the nation’s plan to work. Professionals are needed to protect government and financial services. They will also guard critical national infrastructure.
This move shows Somalia’s serious commitment to owning its digital future. Instead of depending on outside help, the country is working hard to build up its own talent. By joining this international certification network, Somalia is making a real statement: it’s ready to protect its digital world and stand on its own.
It’s part of a broader, proactive shift across Africa, where nations are mobilizing domestic institutions to counter digital threats. We’re seeing a similar strategic emphasis on homegrown expertise in Nigeria, where the DSS has emerged as a key defender in the fight against cyber fraud (which showcases how regional powers are taking charge of their digital sovereignty).
A Global Push for Cyber Resilience
Somalia’s move is just like what a lot of other countries, both in Asia, Europe etc., are doing currently. Everyone’s racing to train up workers who will be good at handling cyber threats, because these attacks hit everything from banks and power grids to critical industries like building and construction.
Groups like the ITU push programs such as Global ACE for a reason. They want a global network of people who really know what they’re doing. Countries agreeing on one thing helps to make it easier to work together and fight against cybersecurity issues.
There are new plans everywhere you look (Europe, America, Asia…), all about teaching folks, getting them certified, and making sure those certifications mean something, no matter where you are. Bit by bit, the world is building a tougher, more united defense when it comes to cybercrime.
