By Hassan Adan
Somalia’s Minister of Communications and Technology, Mohamed Adan Moalim, on Saturday launched events marking International Girls in ICT Day 2026, calling for stronger efforts to boost female participation in the country’s growing digital economy.
The event, held in Mogadishu, brought together government officials, education leaders, technology experts and young women pursuing careers in information and communications technology (ICT), reflecting a broader push to bridge the gender gap in the sector.
Speaking at the opening, Moalim said Somalia’s digital future depends on how effectively it empowers its youth, particularly girls, to take part in technological innovation and development.
“Our progress as a nation in ICT is directly tied to how we support and encourage our young people today, especially girls,” he said.
“If we invest in their skills and opportunities, we are investing in the backbone of Somalia’s digital future.”
The minister added that increasing female representation in technology is not only a matter of equality but also a strategic necessity for economic growth and innovation.
Globally, Girls in ICT Day — an initiative led by the International Telecommunication Union — aims to inspire and encourage girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in STEM fields, where women remain underrepresented.
In Somalia, efforts to expand digital inclusion have gained momentum in recent years, with the government prioritizing ICT as a key driver of economic recovery and public service delivery after decades of conflict.
The Mogadishu event was organised by the National Telecommunications and Technology Institute (NTTI) under the Ministry of Communications and Technology, in partnership with Arkaan Leadership and Innovation Hub.
Participants included Education Minister Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir, who highlighted the role of schools and universities in preparing students for a technology-driven future.
“Education is the foundation of innovation. If we equip our girls with the right digital skills today, we are shaping a generation that will lead Somalia’s technological transformation tomorrow,” Farah Abdulqadir said.
He stressed the need to integrate digital skills into the national curriculum, saying early exposure to ICT can help close the gender gap and unlock new opportunities for girls across the country.
Young attendees and industry experts shared experiences, challenges and success stories, with discussions focusing on access to education, mentorship and the importance of safe and inclusive digital spaces.
“Girls must not only be users of technology but creators and leaders in shaping it,” Moalim said, urging both public and private sectors to invest in training programmes and innovation hubs.
Somalia has seen rapid growth in mobile connectivity and digital services, with increasing adoption of mobile money platforms and online services transforming daily life and business operations.
However, experts say structural barriers — including limited access to education, cultural norms and infrastructure gaps — continue to hinder equal participation in the tech sector, particularly for women and girls.
Organisers said the forum forms part of a broader national strategy to nurture innovation, build digital skills and position Somalia to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
