Geneva, Switzerland — At the WSIS+20 Ministerial Roundtable in Geneva, Somalia’s Minister of Telecommunications and Technology, Mohamed Adam Mo’alim Ali, delivered a compelling address on his nation’s digital advancement strategies. The session brought together global ICT leaders to assess progress since the first World Summit on the Information Society and to steer digital trends for the next decade.
Mohamed reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to two pivotal national frameworks: the National Digital Inclusion Policy and the Digital Government Policy. The National Digital Inclusion Policy, approved in January 2025, aims to democratize access to technology for women, youth, rural residents, and people with disabilities. It emphasizes affordability, digital literacy, and partnerships with private and international stakeholders.
The Digital Government Policy, already being implemented across Somali ministries, is designed to modernize public services, strengthen e-governance, and improve transparency and efficiency. These efforts align with Somalia’s broader push to enhance digital infrastructure and cybersecurity across the country.
During the roundtable, Mohamed outlined specific actions taken to bridge the digital gap, including constructing thousands of kilometers of fiber infrastructure, implementing data protection and cybersecurity legislation, and rolling out digital literacy programs targeting underserved areas.
In bilateral talks, he engaged with ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and Dr. Cosmas Zavazava of the ITU’s Development Bureau, discussing cooperation on connectivity, cybersecurity, and youth skill-building.
“Somalia is deeply committed to accelerating its digital transformation in partnership with international organizations such as the ITU. We aim to ensure that technological progress translates into tangible benefits for all Somali citizens, particularly youth and marginalized communities,” he stated.
The minister also emphasized Somalia’s ongoing investments in national information infrastructure, such as its information security agency, national information center, and cybersecurity systems — key pillars of the country’s Vision 2025 strategy for digital transformation.
Somalia’s leadership at WSIS+20 signals a shift toward tangible digital progress in the Horn of Africa. The government plans to fast-track implementation of digital laws, expand internet access, and establish international partnerships to fund infrastructure, train IT professionals, and support inclusive e-governance.
As global ICT stakeholders finalize the WSIS+20 agenda, Somalia stands out as an emerging model for nations seeking to use policy-driven innovation as a catalyst for economic growth and social inclusion through technology.