Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia has taken a significant step toward strengthening its digital security framework after the Council of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, approved the long-awaited Cybercrime Bill during its weekly meeting on Thursday.
The legislation, hailed as a milestone for public safety and data protection, seeks to provide Somalia with a comprehensive legal framework to combat the growing threats posed by cybercriminals. Officials say the bill will help close the legal gaps that have allowed online crimes to proliferate in recent years.
According to details from the session, the Cybercrime Bill criminalizes a wide range of digital offenses, including hacking, identity theft, phishing, the spread of malicious software, and unauthorized access to sensitive data. It also lays out stiff penalties for offenders, aiming to deter individuals and organized groups that exploit cyberspace for unlawful activities.
Prime Minister Barre underscored the importance of the bill, noting that Somalia’s increasing reliance on digital services, e-commerce, and online communications makes cyber protection a national priority.
“This legislation is not only about law enforcement. It is about ensuring that citizens, businesses, and government institutions can operate safely and confidently in the digital era,” he said.
The move comes as Somalia accelerates its digital transformation, with government services, financial transactions, and education systems increasingly shifting online. Experts say the bill will provide law enforcement agencies with the legal tools needed to investigate and prosecute cyber-related crimes, while also enhancing international cooperation against transnational cyber threats.
Civil society groups and ICT professionals welcomed the approval, describing it as a critical step in safeguarding citizens’ rights and strengthening Somalia’s digital economy. However, some emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns and capacity-building within security agencies to ensure effective implementation.
The Cybercrime Bill will now proceed to the Federal Parliament for debate and ratification before becoming law. If passed, Somalia will join a growing number of African nations enacting specialized legislation to combat cyber threats in the digital age.
