MOGADISHU (SONNA) – The Minister of Communications and Technology, H.E. Mohamed Somali, officially opened the closing session of the Somali Network Operators Group (SomNOG) annual conference on Thursday. The event marked the conclusion of intensive training workshops designed to equip Somali youth with advanced skills in information and communication technology (ICT).
The gathering in Mogadishu brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including ministry officials, representatives from the country’s leading universities, telecommunications executives, technology firms, and academic instructors. The primary focus of the forum was to foster collaboration between the public sector, academia, and private enterprise to accelerate Somalia’s digital transformation.
In his keynote address, Minister Mohamed Somali commended the participants for their dedication to mastering complex technical skills. He highlighted SomNOG’s consistent role in producing a cadre of professionals who are actively contributing to the nation’s technological infrastructure.
“The enthusiasm shown by our youth in mastering ICT is the driving force behind our vision for a digital Somalia,” the Minister stated. He noted that the organization has become a critical hub for nurturing talent that serves the country’s growing need for digital expertise.
The Minister outlined the Ministry’s strategic priorities, emphasizing that building human capital is at the forefront of the government’s agenda. He announced that the Ministry is intensifying its support for initiatives that enhance digital governance and cybersecurity.
Key pillars of this support include:
Strengthening Voluntary Organizations: Backing self-organized professional groups like SomNOG that drive grassroots innovation.
Expanding Training Opportunities: Creating more avenues for specialized technical education.
Fostering Public-Private Partnerships: Deepening cooperation between universities and private sector companies to align curriculum with market needs.
Policy Development: Advancing legal and regulatory frameworks to support the growth of the digital economy.
Concluding the event, Minister Mohamed Somali stressed the necessity of sustained collaboration. He urged all sectors to work together to build a generation capable of managing, innovating, and securing the nation’s digital landscape. This collective effort, he argued, is essential for Somalia to fully integrate into the modern global economy and achieve its goals for digital sovereignty.
