INSA Pledges Stronger Push to Strengthen Ethiopia’s Cybersecurity Workforce

Addis ababa: The Information Network Security Administration (INSA) Director General Tigist Hamid said efforts will be consolidated to develop a qualified workforce capable of building a reliable cybersecurity ecosystem in Ethiopia. The remark was made during the commencement of the 5th round of the National Cyber Talent Summer Camp training program at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU).According to Ethiopian News Agency, the training program, organized by INSA, aims to nurture young people and teenagers with an interest and talent in cybersecurity and technology fields. The program covers cybersecurity, software development, coding, aviation, aerospace technology, and artificial intelligence, with hardware development and security design also among its key areas of focus, it was learned.Speaking at the occasion, Tigist said ensuring cybersecurity is vital to making Ethiopia's digital transformation successful. She emphasized the importance of developing a skilled workforce to achieve t his objective, noting that INSA, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, is particularly working to strengthen human resource development in the sector. According to the Director General, the summer camp is part of these efforts and plays a significant role in developing a successor generation that represents Ethiopia's future. She further said the administration, in collaboration with various stakeholders, will strengthen its focused efforts to empower professionals.Tigist recalled that the training program was initially launched at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University and is currently being conducted at Bahir Dar, Jimma, Wolaita Sodo, and Haramaya universities, as well as at INSA's premises. AASTU President Asrat Atsedeweyn, for his part, said building a generation equipped with technological capabilities is essential to achieving Ethiopia's overall prosperity. Commending INSA's initiative to nurture the next generation, he assured that the university will play its part in ensuring the succe ss of the program. The president also urged the trainees to recognize their responsibility to serve Ethiopia, advising them to make proper use of the training and acquire the necessary skills.At the event, youth who completed the Cyber Talent Summer Camp training program and achieved successful results shared their experiences with the 5th-round trainees. Eyob Tibebe, one of the former trainees, said the knowledge he gained through the training enabled him to embark on a life-changing path. He said he has since founded a company called Voltage Technology and is working to serve his country in every way possible. Another former trainee, Abdi Megersa, said he is currently serving as a cyber professional at Ethio Telecom. He emphasized that serving the country with a patriotic spirit is a responsibility expected of young people and called on them to always be ready to contribute.