NCA, IFC Convene Industry Stakeholders to Boost Internet Resilience in Somalia

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA), in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has launched a technical working group aimed at strengthening the resilience and long-term development of the country’s submarine cable infrastructure, a critical component of internet connectivity and digital growth.

The inaugural meeting of the Submarine Cable Landing Technical Working Group brought together representatives from telecommunications companies, submarine cable operators, internet service providers (ISPs) and industry experts to discuss ways of improving the reliability and sustainability of Somalia’s digital infrastructure.

The two-day workshop is focused on enhancing cooperation among stakeholders, identifying challenges facing submarine cable systems and developing practical measures to improve the resilience of the country’s high-speed internet network.

Discussions are expected to cover cable fault management, market competition, infrastructure expansion and implementation of regulatory frameworks governing submarine cable operations in Somalia.

Participants will also review findings from a recently completed assessment of Somalia’s telecommunications market, providing an opportunity to validate key data and discuss future priorities for the sector’s development.

Opening the workshop, National Communications Authority Director General Mustafa Yasin Sheikh said strengthening cooperation among industry stakeholders was essential to safeguarding Somalia’s growing digital infrastructure.

“Submarine cables are the backbone of our country’s digital connectivity. They play a vital role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation and expanding access to essential services,” he said.

“This technical working group strengthens collaboration between the National Communications Authority and stakeholders across the telecommunications and technology sectors to build resilient and reliable communications infrastructure.”

Somalia has witnessed rapid growth in internet and mobile telecommunications services over the past decade, with several international submarine cables connecting the country to global networks through landing stations along its coastline. The expansion has helped improve internet access, support digital financial services and facilitate business activity in one of Africa’s fastest-growing telecommunications markets.

However, the sector remains vulnerable to disruptions caused by cable damage, whether from maritime activities, natural events or technical failures. Previous outages affecting submarine cable systems in the Horn of Africa have resulted in widespread internet disruptions and significant economic losses across the region.

The establishment of the technical working group comes as Somalia continues efforts to modernise its digital economy and attract investment in information and communications technology infrastructure, a key pillar of the country’s broader economic development agenda.

The IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has been supporting initiatives aimed at expanding digital connectivity and strengthening telecommunications markets across Africa, including efforts to improve internet access and affordability in fragile and emerging economies.