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The Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation, in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NC3), Qhala, and the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), on March 4, 2026, hosted a high-level training session focused on cybersecurity leadership and emerging digital risks.
The event, held at the Miatta Conference Centre at Youyi Building in Freetown, was organized under the theme “Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies Leadership Programme.” It brought together heads of institutions and directors from across government to strengthen leadership awareness and preparedness in the face of evolving cyber threats.
The session was facilitated by Madam Gemma Payne-Bailey, Training and Outreach Specialist at NC3, and Dorian Collier, Lead of the National Computer Security Incident Response Team at NC3. Their presentation focused on the sub-topic “The Invisible Threat – Cyber Governance and National Risk.”
During the training, participants explored critical issues related to digital governance risks, executive identity exposure, and leadership decision-making during cyber incidents.
The facilitators emphasized that as governments increasingly rely on digital platforms, leaders must understand the strategic risks associated with cybersecurity and the importance of strong governance frameworks.
A key feature of the programme was a series of real-world crisis simulations designed to test participants’ responses to complex cyber incidents. These simulations included scenarios such as account impersonation, insider threats, and coordinated misinformation attacks.
Through these exercises, participants were able to examine how leadership decisions during cyber crises can affect institutional stability, public trust, and national security.
The interactive approach allowed participants to strengthen their capacity for resilience, accountability, and coordinated national response when faced with digital threats. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration among institutions in protecting critical systems and information infrastructure.
Organizers noted that the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to equip senior leaders with the foresight and practical skills needed to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government institutions with training, awareness programmes, and strategic guidance aimed at safeguarding Sierra Leone’s digital ecosystem against emerging cyber risks.
