Monday June 22, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia took a fresh step toward bolstering its digital backbone on Monday when the National Communications Authority and the International Finance Corporation launched the first Somalia Submarine Cable Landing Technical Working Group workshop in Nairobi, Kenya.
The gathering drew telecom operators, internet service providers and technical specialists in an effort to reinforce the country’s submarine cable network and address the pressures facing a system that carries much of Somalia’s internet traffic.
The two-day workshop is aimed at improving the resilience, reliability and sustainable development of Somalia’s broadband infrastructure, officials said.
It is being held under the IFC-supported Somali Unlocking Sector Investment Project, also known as the Broadband Infrastructure Project.
Talks are centered on outage management, competition, infrastructure development and the rollout of Somalia’s submarine cable regulatory framework.
Organizers said the forum is also designed to deepen engagement between the regulator and industry stakeholders while building a common understanding of the biggest challenges confronting Somalia’s submarine cable sector.
Officials said the workshop will help identify practical steps to strengthen the dependability of Somalia’s international connectivity and limit the risks associated with cable disruptions.
Participants also examined the findings of a recently completed report on Somalia’s telecommunications market, giving stakeholders a chance to review the report’s main conclusions and map out priorities for the sector’s next phase of growth.
National Communications Authority Director General Mustafa Yasin Sheikh said submarine cables are vital to Somalia’s digital future.
“Submarine cables are the backbone of Somalia’s digital connectivity, supporting economic growth, innovation, and access to essential services,” Mustafa said. “Through this Technical Working Group, we are strengthening collaboration between the regulator and industry stakeholders to build a more resilient and reliable communications infrastructure.”
Somalia’s internet access depends heavily on submarine cable systems, placing cable resilience and regulatory coordination among the country’s top priorities as its digital economy continues to expand.
