Today, at the national conference officially opened by His Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, held under the theme “Data Sovereignty for Policy Independence,” a panel discussion titled “Architecting the Future: A Digitally Fortified Statistical Ecosystem” was conducted.
At this panel discussion, Tigist Hamid, Director General of the Information Network Security Administration (INSA), participated as a panelist and provided explanations on data security and sovereignty.
Among the key points she raised, she noted that Ethiopia previously lacked properly organized data systems and that accessing reliable data had been a major challenge. She emphasized that the recent achievements and reforms made by the Ethiopian Statistical Service represent significant national progress.
The Director General explained that one of INSA’s core mandates is ensuring the country’s data security, and that this is being implemented through three main pillars: legal frameworks, technology, and human capacity. In this regard, she highlighted the operation of the National Cyber Emergency Response Center (National CERT), which provides 24/7 service and works in close coordination with institutions at all levels.
She further stated that all digital systems undergo mandatory pre-testing and evaluation before deployment to ensure security and reliability.
She also noted that the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) service, a key pillar for ensuring data authenticity and confidentiality, is being provided by INSA. As an example, she mentioned support provided through Mobile Device Management (MDM) services to enhance the efficiency and security of data collection for the Ethiopian Statistical Service.
She emphasized that ensuring national cybersecurity and sovereignty—particularly in statistical systems—requires adopting both a Zero Trust environment and a Security by Design approach from the very beginning to the end of system development.
Other panelists included Worku Gachena, who stated that AI solutions in modern statistical systems enable faster data analysis, prediction of future trends, and timely policy input.
Muluken Kere added that building a reliable and integrated technological infrastructure is a priority for successfully implementing the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy.
Meron Kefelegn explained the institution’s transition from traditional data collection methods to fully digital systems, highlighting the establishment of the Digital Policy Monitoring and Evaluation System (DPMES) as a historic milestone.
Overall, participants emphasized that this national panel discussion strengthens coordinated efforts to ensure Ethiopia’s data sovereignty and cybersecurity reach a higher and more resilient level.
