On Tuesday, the Republic of Congo announced the allocation of 800 million CFA francs (approximately $1.3 million) to enhance its cybersecurity framework. This funding will support the operations of the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI), a body tasked with safeguarding the nation’s digital infrastructure.

The announcement was made by Léon Juste Ibombo, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, during a meeting with ANSSI’s Director General, Oboulhas Tsahat Conrad Onésime, who was appointed in February 2025.

The allocated budget addresses growing cyber threats by enabling ANSSI to deploy robust infrastructure, recruit skilled personnel, and develop tailored cybersecurity strategies. These measures are intended to improve the protection of information systems and foster trust in the nation’s digital ecosystem.

Operating under the supervision of the Presidency and administered by the Ministry of the Digital Economy, ANSSI is responsible for managing digital threats, responding to cyberattacks, and coordinating national cybersecurity efforts. Despite these efforts, challenges such as a lack of trained cybersecurity professionals and limited public awareness persist.

Challenges highlighted in Global Cybersecurity Index

Congo’s urgency in investing is underscored by its ranking in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index by the International Telecommunication Union. The country scored 27.61 out of 100, placing it in Tier 4—an indicator of significant gaps in its cybersecurity capabilities.

To address these gaps, ANSSI plans to train cybersecurity experts and raise awareness about digital security among institutions and citizens. Also, fostering stakeholder collaboration is essential to strengthening Congo’s defences against cyber threats.

This initiative aligns with Congo’s broader National Digital Strategy 2025, which emphasises e-governance and digital trust. The strategy includes legislative measures, such as laws on data protection and cybersecurity adopted in recent years, to create a more secure digital environment.

As cyber threats continue to rise globally, Congo’s investment marks a step toward fortifying its digital defences while addressing critical challenges in expertise and coordination.

Edited.