The National Digital Infrastructure Conference officially opened today in Mogadishu, marking a historic gathering of institutions central to Somalia's digital development. Organized jointly by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Communications and Technology, the two-day event brings together the Central Bank of Somalia, National Communications Authority, Data Protection Agency, and the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Agency.
Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama officially inaugurated the conference, highlighting the government's prioritization of modernizing public services. He emphasized that implementing an integrated digital system is crucial for enabling citizens to access comprehensive digital services—including birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates—without visiting physical offices.
Minister of Communications and Technology Mohamed Adan Maalin addressed participants, stating that the government has prepared the necessary legal frameworks and systems to implement digital public services. He described this as the first conference of its kind focusing on unifying digital efforts, noting that the integration would facilitate service delivery and enhance government efficiency.
Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, Director of the National Communications Authority, explained that the conference aims to highlight the importance of "invisible" digital infrastructure—including connectivity, cybersecurity, data protection, payment systems, and national ID—comparing their significance to visible infrastructure like roads, bridges, and ports.
Source: Original video
The conference features five technical sessions focusing on unifying digital systems, strengthening data security, and building compatible digital infrastructure aligned with international standards. Officials stressed that previous fragmented efforts by various agencies have now been consolidated into this unified annual platform.
The initiative represents Somalia's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) program, designed to ensure every citizen can access complete digital services through a unified platform. The government confirmed that the system is ready for imminent launch, which will streamline access to vital civil registration services and eliminate the need for citizens to visit multiple offices.
