Somalia Seeks Azerbaijani Support to Modernise State Media

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BAKU: Somalia is looking to modernise its state media infrastructure and improve professional training for journalists through closer cooperation with Azerbaijan, as the federal government seeks technical expertise to strengthen the country’s broadcasting capacity.

The push includes efforts to upgrade equipment at Somali National Television and Radio Mogadishu, expand professional training for media workers and digitise historical archives, according to discussions held in Baku.

Somalia’s Information Minister Abdifatah Qasim Mahmoud met Azerbaijan Media Council Chairman Ahmad Ismayilov to explore cooperation in broadcasting, skills development and the exchange of technical expertise.

Rebuilding public broadcasting capacity remains part of a wider effort by the federal government to strengthen state institutions after decades of conflict and disruption. Improved equipment and training could help national outlets expand production and preserve the country’s historical record, though the scale of the proposed support remains unclear.

The talks also covered training for journalists, editors, photographers, television producers and technical staff, as well as professional mentoring and exchanges with Azerbaijani media institutions.

Digitising historical records was another area of interest, with the two sides discussing ways to protect archival materials and make them easier to access. Somalia’s cultural and documentary heritage has faced significant preservation challenges after years of conflict and limited institutional resources.

Somalia’s ambassador to Azerbaijan, Abdinur Dahir Fidow, attended the meeting as the two countries explore wider cooperation in media, education and culture.