Sunday June 14, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA) on Sunday launched the Second AI Summit Somalia 2026, a two-day national forum examining how artificial intelligence can be applied to public services, innovation, digital transformation and economic growth.
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The event was convened by the NCA in partnership with the AI Somalia Community and, in coordination with Zamzam University of Science and Technology (ZUST) and Somali National University (SNU).
Education, Culture and Higher Education Minister Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir Mohamed officially opened the summit, underscoring the importance of using artificial intelligence strategically to advance education, research, innovation and Somalia’s knowledge-driven economy.
The opening ceremony also featured remarks from Dr. Mohamud Mohamed Hassan Harbi, rector of Zamzam University of Science and Technology; Prof. Dr. Mohamed Mohamud Mohamed, rector of Somali National University; Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, director general of the National Communications Authority; and Ahmed Ismail Dirie, state minister at the Ministry of Communications and Technology.
Participants at the summit include senior federal government officials, leaders of public institutions, university representatives, researchers, technology specialists, innovators, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, students and development partners.
Discussions are expected to cover AI governance and regulation, the use of AI in public services, education, health care, agriculture, cybersecurity, data protection, digital rights, Somali-language AI, innovation and the digital economy.
Organizers said the summit is intended to serve as a collaborative space where government, academia, researchers, the private sector and development partners can work toward practical AI-based solutions that align with Somalia’s development priorities.
The World Bank Group is supporting the event through the SCALE-UP Project.
