Ethiopia’s cybersecurity institution, INSA, proposes a bill regulating the entry and exit of 48 technology products in alignment with the government’s digitalization goals. The move aims to enhance inspection capabilities and address national security concerns.
Specific permits will be granted for innovative products, with a distinction between prohibited and restricted items.
The lack of clarity on standards and potential impact on innovation raises concerns among stakeholders, including representatives from the Ethiopian Communication Authority and the Ministry of Tourism.
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INSA emphasizes an online service for inspection, while critics highlight the need for targeted inspection rather than a comprehensive probe into all tech items. The bill proposes imprisonments of up to three years for attempting to bring prohibited items into the country, with calls for more decisive penalties and an independent hearing body for inspection-related complaints.
