By Hassan Adan

Somalia’s National Communications Authority, SIMAD University and Malaysia’s National Cyber Security Agency are working together to strengthen cybersecurity skills in Somalia, with 10 SIMAD computing faculty members currently in Malaysia for specialised training.

The training is part of the Global Accredited Cybersecurity Education (ACE) Somalia Chapter, with SIMAD serving as the host institution for an initiative designed to bring internationally recognised cybersecurity education, certification and professional training closer to Somali students and technology professionals.

The development was highlighted during SIMAD University’s monthly council meeting on Thursday, chaired by Rector Dr. Abdikarim Mohaidin Ahmed, as the university expands its technology-focused programmes and international professional partnerships.

The Global ACE Somalia Chapter was launched at SIMAD Town Campus in Mogadishu in December 2025 by the National Communications Authority and SIMAD University in collaboration with CyberSecurity Malaysia.

The programme is intended to support certification, training and capacity building for students, cybersecurity practitioners and professionals, using a globally recognised, vendor-neutral framework aligned with international standards.

Speaking to reporters after the council meeting, SIMAD University Rector Dr. Abdikarim Mohaidin Ahmed said the university was committed to strengthening international partnerships and expanding programmes that equip Somali students and professionals with skills relevant to the country’s digital future.

“Our focus is to ensure that SIMAD provides education and professional training that meets international standards while responding to the needs of Somalia.

SIMAD University Rector Dr. Abdikarim Mohaidin Ahmed during the University Council meeting in Mogadishu.

Through our partnerships in cybersecurity, data science and international certification, we are creating opportunities for Somali students and professionals to acquire skills that can contribute to the country’s digital transformation,” Dr. Mohaidin said.

Somalia’s National Communications Authority( NCA,) is the country’s independent communications regulator.

Established under the 2017 Communications Act, it operates to implement the policies of the Ministry of Communications and Technology while regulating telecommunications, internet services, broadcasting, information and communications technology and e-commerce.

Its responsibilities include licensing operators, managing radio spectrum, overseeing competition and interconnection, protecting consumers and strengthening cybersecurity.

The Ministry of Communications and Technology is responsible for developing national policies, laws and regulations for telecommunications and ICT, while the NCA provides the regulatory oversight needed to implement those policies and ensure a functioning communications market.

The partnership with Malaysia comes as Somalia builds a broader digital ecosystem after years in which much of the country’s communications infrastructure was rebuilt largely through private-sector investment.

Somalia has also been developing digital public infrastructure, including a nationwide foundational digital identification programme designed to provide secure digital identification and improve access to public and private services.

Early last year ,Somalia Government launched nationwide foundational digital ID programme for all it’s citizens.

The World Bank said the digital ID could support secure online identification, access to financial services and other public and private services, while helping establish stronger foundations for a digital economy.

The country is now moving beyond basic connectivity towards a broader digital transformation agenda.

The World Bank has previously described Hormuud as Somalia’s largest telecom company and noted the unusually strong role of mobile phones and mobile money in the Somali economy.

In 2025, the Ministry of Communications and Technology, working with the International Telecommunication Union, began consultations on Somalia’s Digital Transformation Strategy for 2025–2030, intended to guide investment, digital infrastructure, skills development, innovation and digital public services.

These latest developments are creating a growing need for cybersecurity professionals who can protect digital services, telecommunications networks, financial platforms and government systems.

The NCA has been developing cybersecurity regulation and compliance frameworks as part of efforts to protect Somalia’s digital infrastructure. Its cybersecurity department is responsible for helping coordinate the national response to emerging cyber threats and strengthening the resilience of critical digital services.

For SIMAD, the Malaysia training is part of a wider effort to connect Somali higher education with international professional standards.

In July this year , the university was recognised as an authorised Pearson VUE Test Centre, allowing candidates in Somalia to sit secure, computer-based examinations leading to internationally recognised professional certifications without travelling abroad.

The centre is hosted by SIMAD’s Center for Research and Development.

Pearson VUE is a global computer-based testing provider whose examination network allows professional and academic organisations to deliver secure certification tests.

For Somalia, the centre provides local access to international examinations that previously could require candidates to travel outside the country.

At the council meeting,The university leaders also expanded the university’s academic programmes to match the growing importance of data and technology.

The university council approved a new Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics under the Faculty of Economics, designed to equip students with skills in data collection, management, analysis and interpretation.

The university cited International Data Corporation estimates that the global datasphere grew from 64.2 zettabytes in 2020 to an estimated 181 zettabytes in 2025, illustrating the growing demand for professionals capable of managing and analysing large volumes of information.

The university’s expansion comes as it strengthens its position within Somalia’s higher-education sector.

SIMAD University, one of the universities rated best in Africa according to Webometrics Ranking of the World Universities, has increasingly expanded its focus on technology, innovation and internationally recognised professional education.

The council also approved amendments to SIMAD’s Student Transfer Policy, including procedures for student transfers, recognition of prior academic study and appropriate placement within the university.

It further approved the academic plan for the October semester, including teaching timetables, faculty plans and measures aimed at maintaining the quality of teaching and learning.

For Somalia, the growing links between universities, regulators, international certification bodies and technology companies signal a shift towards building not only connectivity but also the skills, institutions and safeguards needed to support a more digital economy.