LIBREVILLE — Somalia has signed a cooperation agreement with China to expand the use of satellite technology for national development, marking a significant step toward strengthening the nation’s capabilities in space-based technologies and data-driven decision-making .
The memorandum of understanding was signed between Somalia’s Department of Space and Satellite under the Ministry of Communications and Technology and China’s Land Satellite Remote Sensing Application Center during the NewSpace Africa Conference 2026 in Libreville, Gabon .
The agreement was formalized by Director of Space and Satellite Mohamed Abubakar Ismail and Deputy Director General Yu Dequan .
Satellite Imagery for Sustainable Development
The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in the application of satellite imagery to support data-informed decision-making, innovation, and sustainable growth across critical sectors . Officials stated that the partnership will concentrate on utilizing satellite imagery for environmental monitoring, agriculture, and infrastructure planning .
The agreement intends to enhance technical cooperation, facilitate knowledge sharing, and broaden the implementation of satellite-based applications in key sectors . This collaboration demonstrates increasing engagement between African nations and international partners in employing space technology to tackle development challenges, including climate surveillance and resource management .
Somalia has recently intensified investments in digital transformation and emerging technologies, including space initiatives, as part of broader strategies to modernize its economy and promote scientific and technological advancement for national progress .
Somalia’s Growing Space Engagement
The signing underscores Somalia’s increasing participation in regional and international space initiatives and its commitment to advancing science and technology for national development .
Somalia’s Ministry of Communications and Technology has officially participated in the 48th meeting of the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) in Riyadh, marking a significant step forward in Somalia’s commitment to advancing Arab space technology and strengthening regional cooperation in the digital and aerospace sectors . The Somali delegation engaged in discussions around satellite policy, technological innovation, and regional digital transformation, emphasizing the country’s interest in expanding its space and satellite communication capabilities .
In July 2025, Somalia launched its first Media Satellite Teleport in over three decades, a state-of-the-art facility set to revolutionize the country’s broadcast infrastructure. The teleport allows Somali National Television (SNTV) to transmit high-definition content directly to satellites, bypassing third-party uplink providers and reducing transmission costs, while enabling live coverage of national events and broader distribution of Somali programming to international audiences .
Digital Transformation and Satellite Connectivity
Somalia has welcomed a major digital leap forward as Starlink, the satellite internet division of SpaceX, embarked on a significant initiative to expand high-speed internet connectivity across the country. Ambassador Dahir Hassan praised the move as a vital step in bridging the digital divide, especially in underserved rural and coastal communities, stating that “bridging the digital divide is essential for fostering economic growth, improving education, and driving innovation.”
Strategic Partnerships for Digital Governance
Somalia has also forged a partnership with Saudi Arabia to establish a framework for cooperation in regulating artificial intelligence (AI) and space technology. The Director General of Somalia’s National Communications Authority held high-level talks with his Saudi counterpart, with discussions centered on the development of joint regulatory standards, capacity-building initiatives, and the promotion of safe and innovative uses of AI and satellite communication .
Somalia’s State Minister of Communications and Technology, Ahmed Diri, met with Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology on the sidelines of Mobile World Congress Doha 2025 to explore strengthening bilateral cooperation in digitizing government services, building ICT infrastructure, and improving cybersecurity .
Somalia Leads AI Integration in East African Community
Somalia is positioning itself as a key innovator in the East African Community’s digital transformation strategy. At the East Africa Science and Technology Commission summit, the Somali delegation presented a comprehensive plan for artificial intelligence adoption, demonstrating a clear commitment to shaping the digital future of the EAC bloc .
Abdiqani Abdullahi Ahmed, Communications Consultant for Somalia’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, described the successful implementation of advanced AI systems in national media operations, explaining how automated translation, content generation, and advanced digital distribution algorithms have significantly reduced editorial production time .
Commitment to Technological Advancement
Somalia’s partnership with China on satellite imagery follows other strategic digital collaborations aimed at modernizing the country’s communications infrastructure and integrating advanced technologies into governance and service delivery systems .
While Somalia’s space sector remains in its early stages, officials say such partnerships are critical to building local capacity and integrating advanced technologies into governance and service delivery systems . The agreement with China is expected to open new pathways for technical cooperation and capacity building in satellite-based services between the two countries, reinforcing the role of space data in advancing development priorities .
The signing of the MoU at the NewSpace Africa Conference 2026, held under the theme “Inclusive Growth: Expanding Space Benefits to All Africans”, reflects growing momentum in leveraging space technology to support inclusive growth across Africa, with particular emphasis on practical applications that enhance governance, environmental monitoring, and sustainable development .
