Information Network Security Administration (INSA) held a discussion with stakeholders after presenting a research paper on the implications and benefits of the International Convention on Countering Cybercrime for Ethiopia.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.
Opening the discussion, INSA Deputy Director General, Mr. Daniel Guta, stated that cybercrime is transnational in nature. He emphasized that international cooperation is essential to effectively prevent such crimes and to hold perpetrators accountable under the law.
He further noted that the convention would help enhance the country’s cyber security posture and technical capabilities, as well as create a conducive framework for information sharing at the international level.
The presented research paper examined the content and implications of the cybercrime convention, experiences of other countries, and its alignment with Ethiopia’s legal and strategic frameworks. It also proposed recommendations regarding Ethiopia’s position on the convention and outlined areas requiring further work.
The International Convention on Countering Cybercrime was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2024 through Resolution 79/243 and opened for signature. It was reported that out of 72 countries that have signed so far, 21 are African states.
The convention is primarily aimed at strengthening international cooperation to prevent crimes committed through information and communication technologies, and it provides a legal framework for sharing electronic evidence across countries in relation to serious crimes.
Participants at the discussion noted that cyber security is not the responsibility of a single institution or country, but requires coordinated engagement from governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations.
After extensive discussion on the research paper, participants agreed that Ethiopia would benefit from signing the convention in order to strengthen its cybercrime prevention capacity and enhance cooperation with other countries. It was also agreed that all stakeholders would contribute their part in the next steps related to the convention process.
