ECOWAS AND SIERRA LEONE LAUNCH NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM AND DIGITAL FORENSICS LAB IN FREETOWN

Freetown – Sierra Leone, 14th January, 2025

A new chapter in Sierra Leone’s cybersecurity journey unfolded on the 14^th of January 2025, with the official launch of the National Cyber Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) and the National Digital Forensics Lab in the heart of Freetown.

The groundbreaking event, hosted at the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NC3) Headquarters, reflects years of steadfast commitment to enhancing the nation’s digital security infrastructure. This milestone highlights Sierra Leone’s growing capacity to address evolving cyber threats and signals a significant step forward in the region’s collective efforts toward digital resilience.

The Minister of Communication Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Bah in her keynote address emphasized the importance of collaboration and Sierra Leone’s readiness to handle cybersecurity challenges. She reiterated her ministry’s commitment to working closely with the centre to enhance a safer digital Sierra Leone.

The ECOWAS Commissioner of Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalization, Mr. Sediko Douka who was represented by the Resident Representative of ECOWAS to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Harouna Moussa in his address underscored the importance of cybersecurity stating that cybercrime is one of the fastest growing threats in Africa and that the launch of the National CSIRT and Digital Forensics lab will play a very crucial role in addressing cyber threats, investigating crimes, and protecting critical infrastructure.

The Commissioner highlighted Sierra Leone’s significant progress in advancing digital transformation and cybersecurity, including the launch of a national DFL and CSIRT. These efforts reflect the country’s dedication to integrating ECOWAS’s cybersecurity framework into national strategies, with support from partners like the European Union, Germany, and the World Bank.

The unveiling of the National CSIRT and Digital Forensics Lab not only represents an advancement in cybersecurity capacity building but also highlights the collective vision and leadership that have propelled this progress.

In attendance were Sierra Leoneans’ Ministers of Communications Technology and Innovation; Information and Civic Education, Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police, Honorable Chief Justice and delegates from ECOWAS. Also in attendance were representatives from the Office of the National Security, Judiciary, the European Union, British High Commission. Their presence underscored the importance of this achievement, and the collaborative effort involved.

The ceremony marked Sierra Leone’s commitment to creating a secure digital environment, encouraging continued efforts to align with regional strategies and raise cybersecurity awareness.

ECOWAS reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a resilient digital landscape across the region, promoting innovation, trust, and safety in the digital space.