Somalia’s Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Technology (MPTT) has launched a consultation on the draft National ICT Policy and Strategy, which provides the framework needed to leverage the benefits of ICT to support the social and economic development of the country. The five-year policy outlines the development and enhancement of ICT across Somalia over the period 2019-2024 and aims to promote transformation, growth, inclusiveness, sustainability, innovation and partnerships in the mainstream economy, while recommending institutional and regulatory frameworks in order to achieve its intended goals. Stakeholders have been given until 31 May 2019 to submit feedback on the guidelines, which were formulated with support from the ITU and the World Bank.
Commenting on the policy, Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Technology Abdi Ashur Hassan said: ‘It is a comprehensive blueprint that will harmonise the country’s ICT initiatives. It is therefore envisaged that all sectors of the economy and society at large will harness the power of ICT’s for the development of our nation.’