By 
The Republic of Congo has allocated a budget of $1.3 million for the operationalization of the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI). A bold step toward securing its digital future, the announcement was made by Léon Juste Ibombo, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy. He spoke during a strategic briefing with Oboulhas Tsahat Conrad Onésime, the newly appointed Director General of ANSSI.
RELATED: MTN Group announces key leadership changes in Nigeria and Congo-Brazzaville
Appointed in February 2025, Onésime will oversee the deployment of critical cybersecurity infrastructure and recruitment of highly skilled personnel. He is also tasked with the formulation of robust strategies to counter rising cyber threats.
“This budget marks a significant investment in Congo’s digital sovereignty. It will enable ANSSI to build capacity, increase resilience, and foster national and institutional trust in our digital platforms,” said Minister Ibombo.
Securing the Nation’s Digital Frontlines
ANSSI, placed under the supervision of the Presidency of the Republic and administered by the Ministry of the Digital Economy, has several roles. They include:
- Supervising and coordinating national cybersecurity policies
- Detecting and responding to cyber incidents and threats
- Protecting digital infrastructure
- Raising cybersecurity awareness among public institutions and citizens
- Fostering stakeholder collaboration across sectors
The agency is expected to work closely with regional and global cybersecurity partners to align Congo’s practices with international standards.
Addressing Critical Challenges
Despite progress, the Republic of Congo continues to face significant cybersecurity gaps. According to the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the country is ranked in Tier 4, with a score of 27.61 out of 100, underscoring the urgent need for institutional reform and capacity building.
Key challenges include:
- Shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals
- Low public awareness of digital risks
- Limited infrastructure for threat detection and incident response
- Weak coordination among digital security stakeholders
A Strategic Turning Point
This new funding reflects the Republic of Congo’s commitment to building a secure and trusted digital environment vital for its broader digital transformation agenda. The establishment of a well-resourced national cybersecurity agency is seen as a foundational pillar for economic resilience, investor confidence, and national security. It has become imperative with the increasing digitization of public services and private enterprises, the
The government’s initiative is in line with broader continental goals, including those outlined in the African Union’s Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention), aiming to harmonize cybersecurity efforts across the continent.
