• Congo has allocated 800 million CFA francs (approx. USD 1.3 million) to National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI)
• Budget will support infrastructure deployment, staff recruitment, and development of cybersecurity strategies

The Republic of Congo has allocated 800 million CFA francs (approximately $1.3 million) to fund the National Cybersecurity Agency's (ANSSI) operations as it seeks to enhance its digital defenses.

Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, Léon Juste Ibombo, announced the budget during a meeting last week with ANSSI's Director General, Oboulhas Tsahat Conrad Onésime, who was appointed in February.

The allocated funds will enable ANSSI to develop its infrastructure, hire skilled personnel, and formulate targeted cybersecurity strategies, aiming to enhance the protection of information systems against escalating cyber threats and foster data security and trust within the nation's digital ecosystem.

ANSSI, operating under the authority of the Presidency and overseen by the Ministry of the Digital Economy, is tasked with supervising and coordinating national cybersecurity, managing digital threats and incidents, responding to cyberattacks, and safeguarding the country's digital infrastructure.

The agency confronts several challenges, including the need for cybersecurity expert training, public and institutional awareness campaigns on cybersecurity issues, and improved coordination among key stakeholders.

According to the 2024 International Telecommunication Union's Global Cybersecurity Index, the Republic of Congo is classified in Tier 4, scoring 27.61 out of 100, underscoring the substantial efforts required to strengthen its cybersecurity framework.

Adoni Conrad Quenum