Somalia Reaffirms Role in Arab Space Agenda at 48th Arabsat Meeting

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has reaffirmed its commitment to Arab space cooperation during the 48th annual meeting of Arabsat, where member states reviewed financial performance and outlined priorities for the region’s satellite future.

The high-level session approved the 2024 financial report and closed the fiscal year, while electing new board members for the 2025–2026 term. Member countries were formally notified that detailed reports on unpaid financial contributions would be issued to promote accountability and sustain Arabsat’s operational strength.

The meeting also confirmed that the next annual assembly will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2026 — marking Arabsat’s 50th anniversary since its founding in 1976.

Representing Somalia, Mohamed Abubakar, Director of the Department of Space and Satellites at the Ministry of Communications and Technology, reiterated Somalia’s commitment to Arab-led space initiatives and underscored the need for inclusive regional participation in shaping future technologies.

“Somalia recognizes the strategic importance of space technology for development, connectivity, and national growth. We are determined to be a visible and active player in the Arab space ecosystem,” said Abubakar in his remarks.

The Somali delegation, which also included officials Abubakar Hassan and Ali Afey, emphasized that the country’s involvement in Arabsat aligns with its broader national goals of technological advancement, regional integration, and digital infrastructure development.

Arabsat, headquartered in Riyadh, remains one of the leading satellite operators in the Arab world, providing telecommunications, broadband, and satellite broadcasting services to more than 21 member countries.

Somalia’s presence at the meeting signals growing ambition in the space and satellite sector, as the country aims to modernize its communications infrastructure and collaborate more closely with Arab partners.