By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Director General of the National Communications Authority of Somalia, Mustafa
Y. Sheik, has underscored the importance of building a responsible and
inclusive artificial intelligence ecosystem as Somalia advances its digital
transformation agenda.
He
made the remarks while participating in Somalia’s AI Summit, which brought
together policymakers, industry stakeholders, innovators, and development
partners to deliberate on the future of artificial intelligence and its role in
national development.
The
summit served as a key platform for exploring how AI can accelerate innovation,
enhance public service delivery, strengthen economic growth, and expand
opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs across Somalia.
In
his intervention, Sheik emphasized that the successful deployment of artificial
intelligence must be anchored in strong governance frameworks, cybersecurity
systems, data protection measures, and the development of digital skills. He
further highlighted the need for sustained multi-stakeholder collaboration to
ensure that AI development aligns with national priorities and public interest.
He
noted that as Somalia continues to build its digital economy, responsible AI
adoption will be critical in ensuring trust, safety, and long-term
sustainability of digital systems.
The
Director General expressed appreciation to the organizers, speakers, and
participants for their contributions, describing the discussions as
instrumental in shaping a shared vision for Somalia’s digital future.
The
summit reaffirmed growing momentum within the country to leverage emerging
technologies as a driver of inclusive growth and national transformation.
