Mogadishu, Somalia – Mogadishu University, in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Somalia, has officially launched Hack4Somalia, a national tech innovation competition aimed at empowering Somali youth and fostering technological solutions to local challenges.
The launch ceremony, held at Mogadishu University, brought together government officials, tech enthusiasts, educators, and representatives from the Turkish embassy.
The initiative underscores the growing role of youth-led innovation in Somalia’s development and highlights Türkiye’s ongoing commitment to supporting capacity building and education in the country.
Hack4Somalia is designed as a platform for Somali university students, developers, and entrepreneurs to collaborate, build digital solutions, and pitch ideas that address pressing socio-economic issues, including education, health, public service delivery, and digital inclusion.
Participants will receive mentorship, access to technical resources, and the opportunity to showcase their solutions to investors and policymakers.
Dr. Abdullahi Farah, President of Mogadishu University, emphasized the importance of cultivating a tech-driven generation. “Somalia’s future lies in the creativity and skills of its youth. Hack4Somalia will give young minds the space and tools to create practical solutions for real problems,” he stated.
A statement from the Türkiye Embassy praised the initiative as part of the broader Türkiye-Somalia cooperation in education, innovation, and development.
“This competition is more than just a contest — it’s a step toward digital empowerment and self-reliance,” read part of the statement.
Hack4Somalia will run in phases, starting with training workshops and idea submission, followed by a hackathon where teams will develop working prototypes. The finalists will present their solutions at a Demo Day, with the winning projects receiving funding, incubation support, and technical assistance.
This initiative adds to the growing ecosystem of youth-focused programs in Somalia, aimed at transforming the country’s tech landscape and opening new economic pathways for a generation eager to contribute to national development.