October 6–8, 2025 (Arta, Djibouti): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), through the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), with support from the World Bank, is hosting an In-Country Plan for Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC) Stakeholder Consultation Workshopin Arta, Djibouti.
IGAD is advancing plans to establish a Regional Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC) to strengthen cyber resilience across the Horn of Africa amid the region’s accelerating digital transformation. As digital technologies increasingly power sectors such as finance, telecommunications, energy, and public services, they also expose Member States to growing cyber risks, including ransomware, financial fraud, and data breaches targeting critical infrastructure.
The ISAC will serve as a trusted regional platform for sharing cyber threat intelligence, coordinating incident response, and enhancing collective preparedness. It will align with continental frameworks such as the African Union’s Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention) and complement similar initiatives within other African regional economic communities.
The Djibouti consultation marks a pivotal step toward realising this regional mechanism. Over three days, participants from IGAD Member States including national cybersecurity authorities and Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), are assessing existing capabilities, identifying shared priorities, and co-developing governance and operational models for the ISAC. These discussions aim to promote trust, collaboration, and sustainability, ensuring that the Centre becomes an effective instrument for collective cyber defense.
“Cybersecurity is no longer a national issue, it is a regional and global imperative,” said Dr. Ahmed Moussa, Project Coordinator, Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Division. “The establishment of a Regional ISAC will help our Member States respond more effectively to cross-border cyber threats, safeguard critical infrastructure, and ensure that digital transformation across the Horn of Africa is secure and sustainable.”
By the conclusion of the workshop, participants are expected to agree on a roadmap for establishing the ISAC, outlining key milestones, governance structures, and coordination mechanisms with continental and global cybersecurity initiatives. The outcomes will inform the development of the IGAD ISAC Establishment Plan, a strategic blueprint to enhance regional coordination, protect digital infrastructure, and promote secure digital transformation across the Horn of Africa.
Paulius Bagdonas, Cybersecurity Capacity Building Expert, NRD Cyber Security emphasised the importance of cooperation: “Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and no country can tackle them alone. This workshop provides a critical platform for Member States to share experiences, build trust, and lay the foundations for a regional information-sharing framework that will make the entire region more resilient.”
The outcomes of the Djibouti workshop will lay the foundation for a coordinated regional approach to cybersecurity across the Horn of Africa. By fostering trust, strengthening cooperation, and aligning national priorities, IGAD and its partners are helping Member States move from vulnerability to resilience. The momentum built in Djibouti marks a decisive step toward a safer and more integrated digital future—one where governments, businesses, and citizens can thrive with confidence in an increasingly connected world.
