Addis ababa: A cyber drill, which has brought together representatives of cybersecurity institutions, law enforcement agencies, and operators of critical infrastructure from East African countries, is underway at the headquarters of the Information Network Security Administration (INSA) in Addis Ababa. The IGAD Regional Cyber Drill 2026 aims to enhance cybersecurity capacity across East Africa and strengthen collective defenses against cross-border cyber threats.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, IGAD Head of Mission to Ethiopia, Abebaw Belachew, emphasized that cyber threats transcend national borders and pose a shared challenge to all countries, regardless of their level of development. He pointed out that cyber incidents in one country can have immediate ripple effects across the region, making collective preparedness essential. Abebaw stated, "Our digital security is only as strong and as secure as our collective resolve," highlighting the importance of both technical capabilities and coordination in responding to cyber threats.
Information Network Security Administration Director-General Tigist Hamid remarked on the strategic importance of cybersecurity for national security, economic development, and regional stability, especially as countries accelerate their digital transformation. She reaffirmed Ethiopia's commitment to regional cooperation and stressed the need for continuous vigilance, information sharing, and coordinated regional action to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks.
The five-day drill is expected to enhance regional coordination, strengthen institutional capacity, and reinforce cooperation among IGAD member states in responding to evolving cybersecurity challenges. It focuses on building a common understanding of cybersecurity policies and strategic issues, strengthening technical capacity to identify threats, and enhancing rapid incident response capabilities. Representatives from Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti are participating in the event, which includes regional simulations to improve preparedness against cyber-attacks targeting telecommunications, financial institutions, and other critical infrastructure.