• The plan will guide Somalia’s next phase of digital growth and innovation.
• Officials from the MoCT, NCA, and ITU emphasized that strong partnerships are essential for sustainable progress.
• Somalia still ranks 191st out of 193 on the UN E-Government Index, underscoring the need to close digital gaps. 

The Ministry of Communications and Technology (MoCT), in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is hosting a two-day National Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Workshop to validate Somalia’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2025–2030), a policy framework designed to steer the country’s next phase of digital development.

The workshop, held on October 12-13 in Mogadishu, convenes representatives from key government institutions, licensed telecom operators, and development partners to review and refine the proposed digital roadmap, which aims to foster inclusive growth, innovation, and improved service delivery.

Speaking at the opening session, Mr. Mustafa Almahdi, Program Officer at the ITU Arab Regional Office, reaffirmed the ITU’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s digital vision. He underscored the importance of coordinated national efforts, saying that “effective collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society is essential for driving sustainable digital transformation.”

Mr. Mustafa Yasin Sheik, Director General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), described the strategy as a critical milestone in Somalia’s digital evolution, noting that it reflects the country’s resolve to build a resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem. He emphasized that partnerships with industry stakeholders and development agencies would be key to ensuring the sustainability of digital reforms.

In his keynote address, H.E. Mohamed Adan Moallim Ali (Somali), Minister of Communications and Technology, stated that the strategy will establish a national framework for all ICT-related initiatives across sectors, aligning with Somalia’s broader Vision 2060 agenda. He highlighted the government’s priorities in expanding broadband infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and building digital skills to accelerate economic diversification.

“This strategy will guide Somalia’s journey toward a knowledge-based economy — one that empowers citizens, promotes innovation, and strengthens governance through technology,” the Minister stated.

Over the two days, stakeholders will deliberate on Somalia’s digital vision, strategic pillars, and implementation roadmap, addressing key issues such as governance frameworks, financing models, and regional integration with the African Union and the East African Community (EAC) in relation to their digital policies.

The consultation builds on a series of recent initiatives that signal Somalia’s growing momentum in digital transformation. These include the launch of a national QR code standard for mobile payments and the introduction of wearable NFC-enabled devices to enable contactless transactions — both key steps toward a more inclusive digital financial ecosystem.

In August, Somalia launched a Unified Digital Civil Registration Service nationwide, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to modernize identity management and enhance access to essential public services. Earlier in July, the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to accelerate digital transformation through enhanced cooperation in digital governance, innovation, public service delivery, and human capital development.

Somalia remains one of the countries in the world that offers a significant improvement margin in the digital landscape. According to the UN’s 2024 E-Government Development Index, the country ranks 191st out of 193 nations, with a score of 0.1468, far below the African average of 0.4247. The new strategy is expected to bridge this gap by prioritizing investment in digital infrastructure, e-governance, financial inclusion, and innovation ecosystems.

Hikmatu Bilali