Ethio telecom has awarded ETB 1.8 million in prizes to the top three teams at its inaugural Capture the Flag (CTF) Competition 2026, with Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) emerging as the overall winner.
The competition was held on 3 November 2026 at the Sheraton Addis in Addis Ababa, bringing together nine university and college students to demonstrate their practical cybersecurity skills, problem-solving abilities and teamwork.
Organised as part of Ethio telecom’s sixth annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month programme, the event was held under the theme “Secure by Habit”.
AASTU secured first place and received ETB 800,000. The American College of Technology (ACT) finished second, earning ETB 600,000, while Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU) took third place with ETB 400,000.
The half-day event featured a three-hour practical cybersecurity challenge, technical presentations, a panel discussion and an open feedback session. It aimed to identify emerging cybersecurity talent and strengthen collaboration between academic institutions and the technology industry.
Delivering the opening keynote, Tsegaye Emmanuel, Deputy CEO of Technology and Operations at Ethio telecom, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in Ethiopia’s digital transformation agenda.
Emmanuel said technology alone was insufficient to secure digital transformation, emphasising the need to develop secure habits alongside improvements in technological infrastructure. He added that the initiative aims to identify emerging talent and encourage security as a fundamental standard in digital solutions.
Jemal Mohammed, Director of Cybersecurity Operations at Ethio telecom, said the competition demonstrated the potential of Ethiopia’s emerging cybersecurity workforce. He highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young professionals to develop practical skills and contribute to securing the country’s digital ecosystem.
The competition formed part of Ethio telecom’s wider cybersecurity awareness activities during October. The company is also the title sponsor of Ethiopia’s seventh National Cybersecurity Month, led by the Information Network Security Administration (INSA).
Through its “Secure by Habit” initiative, Ethio telecom aims to translate cybersecurity awareness into practical skills development, talent identification and stronger partnerships between industry and academia.
The programme also supports Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2030 agenda by encouraging the development of local cybersecurity expertise and strengthening national digital resilience.
