By: Zakarie Ismael Sheikh,
Back in 2011, Somalia took a bold step by establishing the Internet Society Somalia Chapter, led by its founder Prof. Mohamed Ibrahim, former Minister of Post, Telecommunications and Technology. It was one of the first ISOC chapters in Africa, a sign that Somalia (at that particular time) still undergoing immense civil strife, was very determined to be part of the global internet community.
That vision came even before Somalia was connected to its first submarine cable, two years later in 2013 — a link that truly transformed how millions of Somalis access the endless domain of the worldwide web.
Building the Internet Against the Odds
Over the past decade, the internet in Somalia has grown faster than many expected let alone anticipated. Private telecom companies are duly credited with much of this progress, investing heavily in mobile networks and fiber connections even in the fragile environment that is Somalia. Today, most Somalis use 4G and 5G internet seamlessly without hiccups, enjoy fast-growing digital services, and totally rely on mobile money systems every second of the day.
But connectivity on its own is not sufficient enough. For the digital future envisioned in most parts of the world, to really benefit everyone; communities globally need platforms that bring together the different principal stakeholders of government, businesses, universities, and civil society — and that’s where ISOC Somalia comes in.
Why Revive the Chapter Now?
Since the formative years of its inception, the Somalia Chapter had been wholly dormant, missing the valuable chance to significantly lay the foundations to guide the country’s digital growth. For now, under a new young, dynamic and tech savvy leadership, it is slowly coming back to life with fresh energy of a younger blood and clearer attainable objectives.
This much touted revival couldn’t have come at a better time. The government has already built the necessary legislative framework needed for digital governance. Under the Telecom Law of 2017 and subsequent National ICT Policy of 2019 and applied with newer legislations on data protection and cybersecurity created a much safer and trusted online environment. For these important milestone legislations to succeed, communities must be holistically part of the journey all the way.
The newly constituted ISOC team brings together exactly that: raw experience in community-driven initiatives. Like the Somali Network Operators’ Group (SomNOG) — which for the last 10 years has been a volunteer-driven community organizing much needed technical training and forums. The revitalized ISOC Somalia Chapter will now play its suitable role in bridging local voices with global internet governance.
What’s Next?
The chapter is setting its sights on:
• Hosting open forums where government, private sector, and academia can meet and collaborate.
• Helping young tech enthusiasts gain real skills for today’s job market.
• Raising awareness about online safety, digital rights, and cybersecurity.
A Platform for All Somalis
This chapter will not just cater to IT professionals. It’s a wide national platform for anyone who has a keen interest in Somalia’s digital future — be it students, entrepreneurs, policymakers as well as everyday citizens. Our vision connects with ISOC’s larger global mission: an internet that is open, secure, and for all.
Looking Ahead
Reviving the ISOC Somalia Chapter is more than just restoring anational chapter of an international organization. It is stepping stone to the proof that community-led initiatives can shape every nation’s digital journey. Just as SomNOG has itself shown the value of grassroots effort in building skills, the new ISOC leadership is committed to ensuring that Somalia’s internet grows in a way that is inclusive, safe and connected to the wider world nations.
Somalia’s digital transformation is already underway. With this revitalized chapter, we now have a community voice strong enough to guide it.
The internet is the future and Somalia is ready to take its place in it.
Zakarie Ismael Sheikh is the Vice Chair of the Internet Society Somalia Chapter. The article reflects only his personal views, not those of Somali Stream.