Tuesday November 4, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on
Tuesday officially inaugurated the Somalia Internet Governance Forum 2025 (SIGF
2025) in Mogadishu, marking the third edition of the country’s national digital
policy platform.
The forum highlights the government’s commitment to
enhancing digital infrastructure, ensuring access to a secure and reliable
internet, and fostering innovation in technology-driven public services.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Barre emphasized that
the internet is “the backbone of national development,” adding that effective
internet governance builds public trust, drives innovation, and safeguards
citizens’ rights. He underscored the need for a multistakeholder approach to
create inclusive digital policies that serve all segments of society.
The SIGF 2025 has emerged as a major platform uniting
government agencies, technology firms, digital experts, and civil society
stakeholders to align Somalia’s vision for internet governance and explore
emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
According to official data, Somalia’s internet penetration
stood at 10.9% in early 2024, with approximately 5.08 million users out of a
population of 18.4 million. While mobile connections (44.7% penetration) remain
the main source of internet access, connectivity remains uneven—urban areas
enjoy higher access rates compared to rural regions.
Recent technological developments, including the
introduction of Starlink satellite internet, are expected to boost nationwide
connectivity, though affordability continues to be a major barrier for many
households.
