Mogadishu, (SONNA) – The National Communications Authority (NCA) today convened the Second AI Summit Somalia 2026, a national platform dedicated to exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing public service delivery, fostering innovation, accelerating digital transformation, and driving Somalia’s socio-economic development.
The two-day summit is organized by the National Communications Authority (NCA) in collaboration with the AI Somalia Community and in close coordination with the Zamzam University of Science and Technology (ZUST) and the Somali National University (SNU), both of which have jointly contributed to organizing the event.
The summit was officially inaugurated by H.E. Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir Mohamed, Minister of Education, Culture, and Higher Education of the Federal Government of Somalia, who underscored the importance of strategically harnessing the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence to strengthen education, research, innovation, and the country’s knowledge-based economy.
The opening ceremony also featured remarks from Dr. Mohamud Mohamed Hassan (Harbi), Rector of Zamzam University of Science and Technology; Prof. Dr. Mohamed Mohamud Mohamed, Rector of the Somali National University; Mr. Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, Director General of the National Communications Authority; and H.E. Ahmed Ismail Dirie, State Minister of the Ministry of Communications and Technology, all of whom highlighted the opportunities and significance of Artificial Intelligence in shaping Somalia’s future and advancing national development.
The summit was attended by senior officials from the Federal Government of Somalia, heads of government institutions, representatives of universities and other higher education institutions, researchers, technology experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, students, and other stakeholders.
Throughout the two-day summit, participants will engage in discussions on AI governance and regulation, the application of AI across public services, education, healthcare, agriculture, cybersecurity, data protection, digital rights, Somali-language AI, innovation, and the digital economy.
The summit aims to provide a collaborative platform that brings together government institutions, academia, researchers, innovators, the private sector, and development partners to promote practical, AI-driven solutions that address Somalia’s development priorities and support inclusive, sustainable growth.
The summit is supported by the World Bank Group through the SCALE-UP Project.
