Tuesday 4 Nov 2025 {HMC} 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.
Source Hiireaan ONline
