Advancing Somalia’s Digital Future: The Approval of the e-Government Strategy 2025-2029, and Digital Inclusion Policy

 

The Federal Government of Somalia has taken a transformative step toward digital empowerment with the approval of the e-Government Strategy (2025-2029) and the Digital Inclusion Policy and Action Plan (2024).

These initiatives aim to modernize public service delivery, bridge the digital divide, and foster inclusive socio-economic development. I will explore the significance of these strategies, their alignment with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (2025-2029), and their potential to drive digital transformation.

By addressing key challenges such as digital literacy, infrastructure gaps, and accessibility, these policies lay the foundation for a digitally inclusive and efficient government.

Introduction: A Historic Milestone in Somalia’s Digital Transformation

Today 23rd of January 2025, Somalia has reached a historic milestone in its journey toward digital transformation and inclusive governance. The Federal Government of Somalia, under the leadership of Prime Minister H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, has officially approved the Digital Inclusion Policy and the e-Government Strategy 2025-2029. These groundbreaking initiatives mark a pivotal moment in Somalia’s efforts to modernize public service delivery, enhance digital infrastructure, and ensure equitable access to technology for all citizens, including marginalized groups.

This achievement reflects the Ministry of Communications and Technology’s commitment to embracing the opportunities of the digital age, aligning with global trends in governance and innovation. By adopting these policies, Somalia is not only addressing the challenges of digital exclusion but also laying the foundation for a transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric government.

The approval of these strategies is a testament to the government’s vision of fostering a digitally inclusive society and creating a modern, technology-driven public administration. It is a bold step forward in ensuring that Somalia’s citizens, regardless of their location or socio-economic status, can access essential services and participate in the digital economy.

This milestone is not just a policy decision; it is a national commitment to progress, equity, and innovation, paving the way for a brighter, more connected future for Somalia.

 Notes from the e-Government Strategy: A Roadmap for Digital Transformation

Vision and Objectives

The e-Government Strategy envisions a government that is efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric, delivering seamless digital services to all Somalis. Its mission is to optimize public service delivery through end-to-end digitization, fostering a digitally enabled society and economy.

 

 Key objectives include:

-        Establishing a National e-Government Portal to provide integrated, user-friendly access to government services.

-        Promoting open government to enhance transparency and accountability.

-        Increasing government efficiency by streamlining processes and reducing operational costs.

-        Driving user adoption through digital literacy programs and affordable access to ICT infrastructure.

 

Strategic Thrusts

The strategy is built on four strategic thrusts:

-        End-to-End Automation: Ensuring that government services are fully digitized and accessible online.

-        User Adoption: Promoting digital literacy and incentivizing the use of e-services.

-        Government Efficiency: Streamlining internal processes to improve service delivery.

-        Open Government: Encouraging citizen participation and transparency through open data initiatives.

 

Significance

The e-Government Strategy addresses critical challenges such as fragmented digital systems, low adoption of e-services, and limited infrastructure. By implementing this strategy, Somalia aims to improve public service delivery, reduce corruption, and foster trust between citizens and the government.

 

The Digital Inclusion Policy: Bridging the Digital Divide

Vision and Objectives

The Digital Inclusion Policy seeks to ensure that all Somalis, particularly marginalized groups, have access to affordable, reliable, and secure digital technologies. Its overarching goal is to promote equity and inclusion, enabling all citizens to participate in the digital economy.

Key objectives include:

-        Expanding broadband connectivity to underserved areas.

-        Ensuring access to affordable devices and assistive technologies for persons with disabilities.

-        Promoting digital literacy through targeted training programs.

-        Developing user-centered e-government services and culturally relevant content.

 

Key Interventions

The policy outlines several critical interventions:

 

-        Broadband Expansion: Connecting anchor institutions such as schools and health centers.

-        Affordable Devices Program: Providing subsidized or donated devices to low-income households.

-        Community Access Centers: Establishing digital hubs in rural and remote areas.

-        Digital Literacy Campaigns: Educating citizens on the benefits and use of digital technologies.

 

Significance

With only 15.1% of Somalis having high speed internet access, the Digital Inclusion Policy addresses a pressing need to bridge the digital divide. By focusing on marginalized groups, the policy ensures that no one is left behind in Somalia’s digital transformation.

 

Why These Strategies Matter

1. Alignment with National Transformation Goals

Both the e-Government Strategy and the Digital Inclusion Policy align with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (2025-2029), which emphasizes inclusive politics, economic development, and social well-being. By leveraging digital technologies, these initiatives contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to reducing inequalities and fostering innovation.

2. Enhancing Public Service Delivery

The e-Government Strategy aims to make government services more accessible, efficient, and transparent. By digitizing processes and creating a centralized e-government portal, citizens can access services seamlessly, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption.

3. Promoting Social and Economic Inclusion

The Digital Inclusion Policy addresses systemic barriers to digital access, such as affordability and infrastructure gaps. By providing affordable devices and digital literacy programs, the policy empowers marginalized groups to participate in the digital economy, fostering social and economic inclusion.

4. Building Trust and Transparency

Open government initiatives under the e-Government Strategy promote transparency and accountability, fostering trust between citizens and the government. This is particularly important in Somalia’s context, where governance challenges have historically undermined public confidence.

 

Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

1. Infrastructure Gaps

Although the National Data Center will be ready the first quarter of 2025, Somalia’s limited ICT infrastructure poses a significant challenge to implementing these strategies. The government will prioritize investments in broadband expansion benefiting the Eastern African Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDI) which it is the main component is Connectivity, and public-private partnerships to address this gap.

2. Digital Literacy

Low levels of digital literacy may hinder the adoption of e-services. Targeted training programs and awareness campaigns are essential to ensure that citizens can effectively use digital technologies.

3. Funding Constraints

With an estimated budget of $ millions for the Digital Inclusion Policy, securing adequate funding is critical. The government must explore innovative financing mechanisms, including donor support and private sector partnerships.

4. Security and Privacy Concerns

As digital services expand, ensuring data security and privacy becomes paramount. The government must fast track the cybersecurity frameworks activities including the Cybersecurity law, Cybercrime law and data protection policies to build user trust.The government must fast track the cybersecurity frameworks activities including the Cybersecurity law, and Cybercrime law and data protection policies to build user trust.

 

Conclusion

The approval of the e-Government Strategy and Digital Inclusion Policy marks a pivotal moment in Somalia’s journey toward digital transformation.

Both the E-Government Strategy and ICT Digital Inclusion Policy are foundational to Somalia’s digital transformation journey. The E-Government Strategy focuses on improving governance, transparency, and efficiency, while the ICT Digital Inclusion Policy ensures equitable access and participation in the digital economy. Together, they represent a bold step toward a more inclusive, modern, and prosperous Somalia. Their approval underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology as a tool for sustainable development and national progress.

 

References

  1. E-Government Strategy (2025–2029):
    Federal Government of Somalia, Ministry of Communications & Technology. Development of an e-Government Strategy and Implementation Roadmap for the Federal Republic of Somalia (2025–2029).

  2. ICT Digital Inclusion Policy (2025):
    Federal Government of Somalia, Ministry of Communications & Technology. Development of an ICT Digital Inclusion Policy and Action Plan for Advancing Access to ICT Services for Marginalized Groups.

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