Conference on Collaboration in Cyber Security, Digital Transformation in Ethiopia Underway

Addis Ababa, June 13, 2025 (ENA)— A conference focused on setting security principles and frameworks into systems and on collaboration in cyber security and digital transformation in Ethiopia is underway in Addis Ababa.

Opening the two-day conference today, Innovation and Technology State Minister Fozia Amin   has emphasized the need for taking a paradigm of "cyber security by design" as a doctrine that sets in security principles and frameworks into systems.

Noting the indispensability of securing digital infrastructures for the functioning of all sectors, she added that adopting "cyber security by design" which sets in security principles and frameworks into systems from the nascent stages far into design, implementation, and operation is crucial.

 

"This touchstone not only resists onslaughts of threats but also enhances trust that is ultimately needed by users, investors, classrooms, and institutions alike."

According to her, people and organizations will passionately embrace the digital economy when they feel secure about their digital engagement.

However, the realization of a secure digital ecosystem cannot be shouldered by a single ministry, agency, or even nation, she pointed out.

Cyber security, by its very nature, requires coordination of divergent stakeholders, both nationally and globally.

Therefore, there is a need for collaboration among the governments, private sector leaders, academia, civil society, and international partners to create an environment conducive for collaboration.

 

Fozia further stated that innovation is necessary to get ahead of the ever-changing cyber threat systems, stressing the cultivation of home-grown talents and research projects for innovative cyber security solutions.

“By publishing and disseminating our research, we will not only inform future policy and practice but also enrich the global body of cyber security knowledge.”

Regional Director of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for Africa, Emmanuel Manasseh, said connectivity is at the heart of digital transformation as it is the foundation that makes digital transformation possible.

 

Digital transformation driven by increased connectivity necessitates robust cyber security to protect users against the growing cyber threats, he added.

Addressing the conference, Ethiopian Cyber Security Association President Berhanu Beyene stressed the need for enhanced collaboration at the national and global levels, emphasizing the crucial role of comprehensive policy and strategy.

 

The president noted that “collaboration is one of the crucial elements in securing our digital assets and critical infrastructure. This should be however supported by comprehensive policies, strategies, continuous engagement and commitment to building with the ever-changing cyber security landscape.”