INSA proposes new cybersecurity proclamation to protect Ethiopia's critical infrastructure
via The Reporter Ethiopia6 min read
The Information Network Security Administration INSA has submitted a draft proclamation, the 'Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Proclamation,' to Parliament. This legislation aims to establish a framework for addressing increasing cyber threats to Ethiopia's digital infrastructure. The draft, which has been under review at the Ministry of Justice for over two years, seeks to expand INSA's focus beyond financial institutions and electric power to include 11 critical sectors such as transport, health, education, water, agriculture, trade, government services, and communications. This expansion is prompted by the growing volume of Ethiopian citizens' data being digitized through programs like the National ID, banking, mobile money, and e-procurement. Ethiopia experienced 8,000 cyberattacks in 2023/4, a significant increase from previous years. The proposed law mandates periodic cybersecurity audits by INSA for institutions designated as critical infrastructure, which includes both public and private entities whose disruption would negatively impact national security or interests. A key provision allows licensed third-party IT firms to provide cybersecurity services and conduct audits, subject to stringent requirements and screening. Unlicensed providers could face penalties of up to two million Birr, with repeat offenders facing triple that amount. The proclamation is currently under parliamentary review and is expected to be ratified soon.
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Ethiopia's Ministry of Finance announced the restoration of daily diesel supply to nine million liters, following a two-month period of reduced volume due to supply disruptions caused by the US-Israeli war in Iran. Fuel trucks have begun transporting diesel from Djibouti to Addis Ababa, with more expected to reach regional towns and cities. This development is anticipated to alleviate the challenges faced by truck and public transport drivers who have experienced long queues at pumping stations. The diesel crisis had previously impacted food and commodity prices, particularly fresh produce, and led to a nearly 17 percent increase in diesel retail prices to 163.09 Bir per liter. Reports also indicated a rise in illicit fuel trade during the disruption. Talks between the US and Iran have stalled after eight weeks of fighting, raising concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Dashen Breweries SC has announced the appointment of Matiyas Getachew as its new Chief Executive Officer. This appointment marks a significant transition as Matiyas becomes the first Ethiopian executive to lead a major brewery in a sector traditionally headed by expatriates. Matiyas joined Dashen in 2020 as Chief Financial Officer and was named acting CEO last year after the departure of Mario Van Geldern. The company elevated him to permanent CEO due to his strong leadership and achievements as CFO during challenging macroeconomic conditions. Matiyas holds a bachelor’s degree from Addis Ababa University’s Commercial College, is a chartered certified accountant, and has a master’s degree from Heriot-Watt University. His international background includes leadership roles at SABMiller, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, and Diageo. Industry observers note this appointment reflects a broader trend toward local leadership in multinational corporations, with other major players like Coca-Cola and Unilever also recently appointing local CEOs. An industry analyst stated that Matiyas’s appointment shows growing confidence in Ethiopia’s ability to empower homegrown executives to lead large consumer businesses. Dashen Breweries was founded in 2000 by Tiret Corporate, with Duet Group, a UK investment firm, holding a majority stake since 2012.
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