Somalia’s Digital Transformation Agenda Takes Center Stage at WSIS+20 in Geneva

GENEVA – The Minister of Communications and Technology of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mohamed Adam Maalim (Soomaali), has addressed the High-Level Meeting of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), where he outlined the country’s progress in building digital government infrastructure and reaffirmed its commitment to a modern, technology-driven public administration.

The minister’s address, delivered during a ministerial roundtable at the forum in Geneva, comes as Somalia continues to pursue a national digital transformation agenda. He told delegates that the country has held its first national summit on digital infrastructure and finalised a National Digital Infrastructure Plan designed to guide the rollout of integrated, secure, and reliable government services.

Somalia has been taking significant steps to advance its digital transformation, with the government emphasising the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to improve service delivery. The minister has previously highlighted the vital role telecom companies play in driving economic growth, facilitating e-governance, and connecting citizens to essential services.

Building a Modern, Trustworthy Digital State

Minister Maalim said the foundation of a modern state is a secure, resilient, and trustworthy digital system, and that the Federal Government is prioritising investment in technology and digital services to meet the needs of its citizens. Somalia’s digital transformation strategy has been supported by a series of international partnerships and domestic policy initiatives.

Somalia has made major digital transformation advances, with Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama revealing that the nation is surpassing numerous other countries in adopting contemporary government services. The Federal Government has increased its focus on updating public administration and creating a reliable digital framework.

Somalia has been recognised as the world’s top performer in telecommunications regulatory reform by the International Telecommunication Union, reflecting the significant progress the country has made in ICT regulation between 2007 and 2024, with its score rising from 0.0 to 77.5 percent.

Strengthening International Partnerships

The minister’s participation in Geneva builds on a series of international engagements aimed at deepening cooperation in digital development. Somalia and Turkey have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation in electronic communications, encompassing satellite communications regulation, cybersecurity, and broadband infrastructure development.

The National Communications Authority of Somalia and Turkey’s Information Technologies and Communications Authority have established a partnership to enhance bilateral cooperation in electronic communications, with the Director General of Somalia’s NCA underscoring the strategic importance of the agreement.

The European Union and Somalia have reaffirmed their partnership in advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda, with the EU’s role as a key partner in developing digital infrastructure and promoting inclusive access to digital tools.

Private Sector and Regional Digital Integration

Hormuud Telecom and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) have signed a landmark agreement to develop an inclusive digital economy in Somalia, focusing on expanding cross-border payment systems, enhancing digital literacy, and fostering AI training programs tailored to boost youth employment.

Somalia has been actively pursuing digital integration through regional initiatives, convening consultations with internet service providers to discuss the Horn of Africa Digital Integration Project, which aims to boost digital connectivity and economic integration across East Africa.

Way Forward

The minister’s address in Geneva underscores the federal government’s determination to position digital transformation at the heart of its development agenda. The National Digital Infrastructure Plan, together with ongoing international partnerships and regulatory reforms, is expected to drive the modernisation of public services and expand access to technology across the country. However, the success of these efforts will depend on sustained investment, effective implementation, and continued collaboration with both domestic and international stakeholders.