Somalia Expands Global Digital Push at Ankara Telecom Forum

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ANKARA: The federal government of Somalia is stepping up efforts to modernise its digital sector and expand international technology partnerships after senior officials took part in a major global telecommunications summit in Turkey.

The head of Somalia’s National Communications Authority, Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, represented the country at the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-26) in Ankara, a high-level forum organised by the International Telecommunication Union.

The summit brought together communications regulators and technology leaders from around the world to discuss the future of digital regulation, emerging technologies and cross-border digital services.

Somalia used the forum to showcase what officials described as the federal government’s growing commitment to building a modern and inclusive digital economy capable of supporting economic growth, innovation and regional connectivity.

During the conference, Somali officials joined discussions on satellite internet, digital financial systems and new regulatory models designed to help countries adapt to rapidly changing technologies.

Mustafa Yasin Sheikh also took part in high-level talks with officials from South Africa, Poland and Saudi Arabia, as well as representatives from the World Economic Forum.

For Somalia, the participation reflects wider federal government efforts to position the country as an emerging player in Africa’s digital transformation despite decades of conflict and limited infrastructure.

The government has in recent years expanded reforms in telecommunications, digital governance and financial technology, helping drive rapid growth in mobile payments and internet services across the country.

Officials say stronger international cooperation and modern telecommunications policies are expected to support investment, improve connectivity and open new opportunities for Somali businesses and young technology entrepreneurs.

The discussions in Ankara also come as Somalia increasingly explores partnerships linked to satellite communications and digital infrastructure as part of broader economic modernization plans championed by the federal government.