NAIROBI – The National Communications Authority (NCA) of Somalia, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has convened the inaugural meeting of the Submarine Cable Landing Technical Working Group (TWG) in Nairobi, bringing together telecom operators, submarine cable companies, internet service providers (ISPs), and technical experts to strengthen the resilience and sustainable development of Somalia’s submarine cable infrastructure.

The two-day knowledge-sharing session is intended to enhance collaboration between the NCA and key stakeholders in the telecommunications and technology sector, foster a shared understanding of the challenges facing the submarine cable industry, and propose practical measures to improve the resilience and reliability of the country’s high-speed internet infrastructure.

The NCA and IFC have previously signed a Cooperation Agreement aimed at boosting Somalia’s connectivity and digital innovation, strengthening telecommunications infrastructure, expanding internet access, and creating opportunities for economic growth and job creation.

Strengthening Submarine Cable Resilience

Submarine cables are critical to internet connectivity, carrying the vast majority of international data traffic. The Director General of Somalia’s NCA, Mustafa Yasmin Sheikh, has been selected to join the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience, reflecting Somalia’s growing involvement in global digital infrastructure and communication initiatives. This advisory body focuses on enhancing cable resilience against potential disruptions, including natural disasters and cyber threats.

The Technical Working Group meeting builds on these efforts by bringing together domestic and international stakeholders to address the specific challenges facing Somalia’s submarine cable infrastructure. Participants are expected to discuss ways to improve the reliability of cable landings, coordinate maintenance and repair operations, and develop strategies to mitigate risks to connectivity.

Somalia’s Growing Digital Infrastructure

Somalia has been taking decisive steps to expand its digital infrastructure and improve internet connectivity. The government has convened consultations with internet service providers to discuss the Horn of Africa Digital Integration Project, a regional initiative aimed at boosting digital connectivity and economic integration across East Africa. The project is expected to improve internet speeds, reduce service costs, and enable digital services ranging from e-governance to financial technology.

A submarine cable connecting Somalia, Djibouti, and Kenya – the Djibouti Africa Regional Express 1 (Dare1) – is now ready, with technicians having finished installing the 5,000-kilometre-long cable. The cable, which has a capacity of 30TB per second, is expected to significantly improve connectivity between nations in the Horn of Africa region and give the entire region’s connectivity a substantial boost.

Somalia has been named the world’s top performer in telecommunications regulatory reform by the International Telecommunication Union, recognising the significant progress the country has made in telecommunications and ICT regulation between 2007 and 2024.

Way Forward

The Technical Working Group meeting represents an important step in Somalia’s efforts to build a more resilient and reliable digital infrastructure. By fostering collaboration between the NCA, IFC, and key industry stakeholders, the initiative aims to address the challenges facing submarine cable infrastructure and support the country’s broader digital transformation goals.