Somalia Urges Africa to Fast-Track Digital Transformation at Algiers Summit

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ALGIERS: Federal Government of Somalia’s Communications and Technology Minister Mohamed Somali, has challenged Africa to accelerate its digital transformation as he addressed ministers and innovators at the African Startup Summit in Algiers.

Somali said Africa’s future competitiveness will depend on its ability to expand affordable digital connectivity, secure its cyberspace, and build policies that allow innovation to flourish. He warned that without decisive action, the continent risks widening inequality and missing out on the economic gains of the global digital revolution.

The minister pointed to Somalia’s own experience, rapidly expanding digital services despite years of instability, as evidence that transformative change is possible with the right investment and policy direction.

He said Somalia is pushing to expand broadband coverage, modernize ICT infrastructure, and implement strict cybersecurity and data protection standards to safeguard citizens and institutions.

Somali urged African states to harmonize regulations, pool expertise and back startups with real capital and policy support, arguing that the continent’s tech talent will only thrive in an enabling environment.

His intervention underscored Somalia’s intention to play a more assertive role in shaping Africa’s digital agenda, aligning itself with partners across the continent to tackle shared challenges and build a competitive, secure and innovation-driven economy.