National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre Launches Sierra Leone’s National CSIRT and Digital Forensics Lab Freetown, Sierra Leone

Today, 14th January 2025, marks a historic milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey towards bolstering cybersecurity and digital forensic capabilities. This landmark event, held at the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NC3) Headquarters, is the culmination of years of dedicated effort and substantial growth. From its humble beginnings as a four-person cybersecurity unit within the Ministry of Information and Communication six years ago, the centre has now evolved into the NC3, the overarching body responsible for the National Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) and the National Digital Forensics Lab.

In attendance were 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 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 in his address underscored the importance of cybersecurity stating that cyber crime is one of the fastest growing threats in Africa and that the launch of the National CSIRT and Digital Forensics lab plays a crucial role in mitigating this trend.
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.

This event signifies a significant milestone in enhancing Sierra Leone’s cybersecurity posture, and bolstering its cyber and digital resilience. By establishing these entities, Sierra Leone positions itself as a formidable player in global cybersecurity.