The Government of Somaliland, through the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), is implementing the World Bank-financed Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EA‑RDIP). The project aims to enhance digital connectivity, data exchange, and regional digital market integration.
To strengthen national cybersecurity readiness and support digital market development, the Ministry intends to engage a qualified consulting firm to undertake a Cybersecurity Maturity Assessment and develop a National Cybersecurity Strategy and Action Plan for Somaliland.
The Consulting Services (the Services) Cyber Security Maturity Assessment and Develop a National Cyber Security Strategy.
Advancements in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have reshaped economies, governance, and business operations worldwide. Yet, the digital divide remains wide, and Somaliland faces persistent challenges in ICT infrastructure, access, and human capital. The country’s digital network is fragmented, lacking a unified national fiber backbone to ensure affordable broadband across all six regions.
To bridge these gaps, the World Bank-funded Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDIP) (2023-2028) supports Somaliland in strengthening digital infrastructure and promoting cross-border connectivity. The project advances the Single Digital Market (SDM) vision for Eastern Africa through improved regional integration, harmonized digital regulations, and expanded broadband access.
The project development objective is to increase access to broadband and digital services through the development and integration of digital markets in the Eastern Africa region
The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDIP) focuses on strengthening digital connectivity and integration across the region by expanding fiber-optic networks and mobile connectivity to improve access to reliable and high-speed internet services. The project also promotes capacity building by enhancing digital literacy and skills development, particularly among youth and women, to ensure inclusive access to digital opportunities. In addition, EA-RDIP supports regional collaboration by strengthening partnerships that encourage cross-border trade, improve information sharing, and enable the integration of digital services across participating countries.
The detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) can be found at https://eardipsomaliland.com/
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) now invites eligible Consulting firms (‘’ Consultants’’) to conduct Cyber Security Maturity Assessment and Develop National Cyber Security Strategy indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff to perform the Services.
The short-listing criteria are as follows:
Core business of the firm and at least 5 years in business in cybersecurity strategy, risk management, incident response, and critical infrastructure protection.
Experience conducting at least two similar assignments. (The Consultant shall provide the name and contact address of the Client (office and e-mail address and telephone number), date(s) of execution, name (s) of lead and associate firms, contract amount and financing sources.)
Experience of relevant services in an environment similar to Somaliland context.
The technical and managerial organization of the firm. (Provide only the structure of the organization. (Do not provide CVs of key experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.)
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraphs 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s
Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Financing - Goods, Works, Non-Consulting and Consulting Services
dated July 2016 and revised in November 2017 August 2018, November 2020 and September 2023, ("Procurement Regulations"), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualification but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub consultancy. In case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant Qualification Selection (CQS) method set out in the World Bank’s "Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers" Fifth Edition of September 2023.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours Saturday to Friday 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM EAT excluding public holidays . Interested Consultants are required to continually and frequently check the EA-RDIP PIU website: for any additional information or clarification that may arise before the submission date.
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person or by e-mail) not later than by 26th April 2026 at 4:00 PM.
Project Coordinator, PIU Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDIP) Ministry of Information and Communication Technology
Email addresses: [email protected] and copy to [email protected];
Address: Sha’ab Area, Behind Jees Hotel, Somaliland Innovation Zone, Floor 1