MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Minister of Communications and Technology, Mohamed Somali, officially commenced the closing ceremony of the Somali Network Operators Group (SomNOG) annual conference on Thursday.
The event concluded a series of intensive training workshops aimed at empowering Somali youth with advanced skills in information and communication technology (ICT).
The event, held in Mogadishu, attracted various stakeholders, including ministry officials, representatives from Somalia’s prominent universities, telecommunications executives, technology companies, and academic instructors.
The forum’s main objective was to promote collaboration among the public sector, academic institutions, and private businesses to expedite Somalia’s digital advancement.
In his opening speech, the minister praised the participants for their commitment to acquiring complex technical expertise. He emphasized SomNOG’s continuous contribution to developing professionals who actively participate in building the nation’s technological foundation.
“The dedication demonstrated by our youth in mastering ICT represents the driving force behind our vision for a digital Somalia,” the minister expressed.
He acknowledged that the organization has emerged as a vital center for cultivating talent that addresses the country’s expanding demand for digital proficiency.
The minister detailed the ministry’s strategic priorities, noting that developing human capital stands as a primary focus of the government’s agenda. He announced that the ministry is enhancing its backing for programs that improve digital governance and cybersecurity.
Key elements of this support encompass:
– Strengthening Voluntary Organizations: Supporting professionally self-managed groups like SomNOG that encourage community-based innovation.
– Expanding Training Opportunities: Creating additional channels for specialized technical education.
– Fostering Public-Private Partnerships: Enhancing collaboration between educational institutions and private sector entities to synchronize academic programs with industry requirements.
– Policy Development: Advancing legal and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the expansion of the digital economy.
Concluding the event, minister underscored the importance of ongoing cooperation. He called upon all sectors to unite in developing a generation capable of managing, advancing, and safeguarding the nation’s digital environment. This unified approach, he contended, is fundamental for Somalia’s complete integration into the contemporary global economy and realization of its digital sovereignty objectives.
