Somalia Government Drafts First ICT Strategy And Policy Roadmap

The Federal Government of Somalia has embarked on a comprehensive roadmap that will culminate in the first-ever  National ICT Strategy and Policy.

The policy, if successfully implemented will see the guide into the use of the ICT and spur economic development in the sector.

Relevant ministers at federal and state levels that attended the consultation meeting lauded the draft as a well-written strategy that sets out a realistic vision for the development and enhancement of ICT across Somalia over the period of 2019 – 2024.

As the first-ever for Somalia, the Policy is aimed at promoting transformation, growth, inclusiveness, sustainability, innovation, and partnerships in the mainstream economy and recommends institutional and regulatory frameworks in order to achieve its intended goals.

H.E. Abdi Ashur Hassan, Minister for Post, Telecom and Technology said the Policy covers all major aspects of life. “It is a comprehensive blueprint that will harmonize the country’s ICT initiatives. It is therefore envisaged that all sectors of the economy and society at large will harness the power of ICT’s for the development of our nation,” said the minister, asking the stakeholders to give their written feedback before 31st May 2019.

Finally, the Minister thanked the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Bank for the technical support they provided in drafting this policy to address the absence of a strategic roadmap for the country’s ICT.