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NCA Hosts National Workshop on Emergency Telecommunications and Early Warning Systems

Storyline:National News, Science & Tech

Mogadishu, Somalia – 29 April 2025 – The National Communications Authority (NCA), in partnership with the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), has convened a two-day national workshop focusing on the Policy and Regulatory Framework for Emergency Telecommunications and Cell Broadcast Early Warning Systems (CB-EWS) in Somalia.

The event, held in Mogadishu, is part of the Emergency Warning for All (EW4All) initiative’s Pillar 3, aiming to strengthen the country’s capacity for emergency communication and disaster preparedness.

The workshop brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including licensed telecommunications operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), to deliberate on the development and deployment of early warning systems through mobile networks.

Speaking at the opening session, Dr. Mustafa Almahdi, ITU Representative, highlighted the life-saving role of telecommunications and reaffirmed ITU’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s efforts under the global EW4All framework.

Dr. Ahmed Abdi Adan, Deputy Commissioner of SODMA, stressed the urgent need for Somalia to enhance national preparedness through modern and reliable early warning technologies.

On his part, Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, Director General of the NCA, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to building a dependable emergency communication framework that meets the country’s unique challenges and vulnerabilities.

During the two-day session, participants are expected to:

  • Review policy and regulatory requirements for operationalizing Cell Broadcast Early Warning Systems (CB-EWS);

  • Discuss institutional coordination mechanisms for emergency alerts.

  • Identify technical and legal enablers for disseminating emergency messages through mobile networks.

  • Develop a national roadmap for the implementation of CB-EWS aligned with the broader EW4All pillars.

The workshop forms part of a series of ongoing initiatives under EW4All aimed at ensuring that all communities across Somalia have access to timely and effective early warning systems, ultimately contributing to saving lives and strengthening national resilience.