The Ethiopia Information System Audit Association (EISAA)

In the realm where the global economy and the world are intricately intertwined, a momentous development took place when the Ethiopian government unveiled its ambitious Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy in June 2020, just on the cusp of the worldwide spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This visionary strategy sparked the ignition of numerous digital transformations that persistently bloom like the vibrant petals of a summer flower. Among the standout transformation endeavors are the establishment of the Ethiopian Information Network Security Agency (INSA), the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration’s foray into e-commerce, the birth of the Aberhot (Enlightenment) Library, which has swiftly become one of the preeminent libraries in all of Africa, the inauguration of the Ministry of Ethiopia’s defense headquarters, and the rollout of the National Identification Service—an array of significant milestones. Furthermore, as Ethiopia prepares to conclude the final filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), we are poised to witness the fruits of this monumental project, expected to generate a staggering 700 megawatts of electricity this year.

In light of these transformative endeavors, it is imperative that Ethiopia embarks on the journey of building capacities within organizations, government institutions, and among technology professionals to cultivate a secure environment and harness the constructive potential of technology, thereby fostering a sustainable and resilient ICT ecosystem. Given Ethiopia’s nascent stage in its ICT evolution, I firmly believe that Information Systems (IS) audit professionals play a pivotal role in safeguarding the cybersecurity and integrity of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) landscape within the nation. The value of conducting Information System Audits, both prior to and post-system development, cannot be overstated, transcending the conventional practice of relying solely on audits in response to suspicions of fraud or security breaches.

In light of these convictions, I, in collaboration with a committed group of Ethiopian Cybersecurity professionals, successfully founded the Ethiopian Information Systems Audit Association. Our certificate of registration was duly conferred on October 13, 2021. Our mission is twofold: to facilitate knowledge dissemination and heighten awareness regarding cybersecurity among Ethiopian government entities and private stakeholders. In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and ever-evolving IT threats, effective cybersecurity training stands as a linchpin for organizations to align the right knowledge with the right individuals at the right juncture. Cybersecurity awareness helps to minimize information systems risks and prevent fraud, data loss, or brand reputation.

Currently, I have the honor of leading this association as its chairman, striving to foster collaboration with various private, governmental, and international professionals and stakeholders to realize our association’s noble objectives. Recognizing that awareness serves as the foundational step forward, continuous education assumes paramount importance in enlightening organizations and individuals about cybersecurity. Self-assessments, coupled with internal and external audits, constitute some of the principal tools for enhancing the internal controls and systems of any organization. Information systems auditing, in particular, stands as a pivotal instrument that bestows credibility, efficiency, and compliance, instilling an organization with the confidence that vulnerabilities and shortcomings in its internal systems have been methodically identified, documented, scrutinized, and resolved.

In my capacity, I extend my volunteer service to the association, and herein lies my invitation to fellow Cybersecurity professionals. I humbly beseech your support in providing the requisite resources and expertise for our association’s cybersecurity and awareness training program. Your collaboration will not only empower professionals in Ethiopia with indispensable skills but also inspire the upcoming generation to contribute meaningfully to the realm of cybersecurity. Together, we can fortify our nation’s digital landscape and secure its place in the digital age.