ALGIERS, Algeria – Somalia’s Federal Minister of Communications and Technology Mohamed Somali called on Africa to hasten its digital transition while speaking with ministers and innovators at the African Startup Summit in Algiers.
Somali stated that Africa’s future competitiveness would hinge on its capacity to expand affordable digital access, secure cyberspace, and create policies that enable innovation to thrive.
He cautioned that without prompt measures, the continent faces growing inequality and losing out on the economic advantages of the worldwide digital revolution.
The minister highlighted Somalia’s own journey of rapidly expanding digital services despite prolonged instability, demonstrating that transformative change is achievable with proper investment and policy guidance.
He mentioned that Somalia is working to extend broadband coverage, upgrade ICT infrastructure, and enforce rigorous cybersecurity and data protection measures to protect citizens and institutions.
Somali encouraged African nations to align regulations, combine expertise, and support startups with substantial capital and policy assistance, maintaining that the continent’s technological talent will only prosper in a conducive setting.
His remarks emphasized Somalia’s desire to assume a more active role in defining Africa’s digital agenda, positioning itself with partners throughout the continent to address common challenges and develop a competitive, secure, and innovation-oriented economy.
