SomNOG8 Conference

Thursday 11 Dec 2025, 08:00 → 17:30 Africa/Mogadishu

Conference Hall ( Jazeera Palace Hotel)

Mohamed Bile (CTO, SomaliREN)

SomNOG8 Program Overview

SomNOG8 represents the latest installment in the annual conference series organized by the Somali Network Operators' Group (SomNOG). This event serves as a pivotal platform for stakeholders within the ICT sector, including professionals, policymakers, Internet service providers, academics, and others, to converge, exchange insights, and chart a course for the digital future of Somalia.

Here's a preview of what SomNOG8 has in store:

SomNOG8 Conference Highlights

   Expected attendance from diverse stakeholders across the ICT spectrum
   Engaging sessions covering a wide array of topics crucial to Somalia's digital landscape
   Networking opportunities to foster collaborations and partnerships

3 Days of Technical Workshops: December 7^nd - 11^th, 2025

The capacity-building aspect of SomNOG8 will be highlighted through a series of technical workshops. Spanning three days, from December 7^nd - 11^th, these sessions aim to enhance the skill sets of ICT professionals and aspiring graduates. Through hands-on training, participants will gain practical knowledge relevant to industry demands, thereby bolstering employability and service delivery within the sector.

1 Day of Conference: December 11^th, 2025

SomNOG8 focuses on addressing contemporary challenges and exploring growth avenues within the ICT sector, the conference promises insightful discussions and thought-provoking presentations. Expert speakers will delve into pertinent themes and sub-themes, offering valuable perspectives on Somalia's digital transformation journey.

Venue: Jazeera place hotel

This year's main theme is "Inclusive Digital Innovation for a Trusted and Collaborative Digital Economy in Somalia'.

Sub-theme 1: Digital Skills, Youth Empowerment & Future Workforce

Sub-theme 2: Inclusive Digital Economy & Financial Innovation

Sub-theme 3: Trust, Safety & Digital Rights Online

Sub-theme 4: Public-Private Partnerships for Digital Transformation

08:00 → 08:59 Guests Arrival and Registration

Speaker: All

09:00 → 09:05 Welcoming Remarks

Speaker: Mr Mohamed Bile (SomNOG Chair)

09:05 → 09:10 SomNOG8 Presentation

Speaker: Mohamed Bile (SomNOG Member)

09:10 → 09:20 Gold Sponsor Remarks

Speaker: Said Dirie (Deputy Communications Department Manager, Hormuud Telecom)

09:20 → 09:30 Workshop Host of the year

Speaker: Dr Sheikdon Salad Elmi (President Jazeera University)

09:30 → 09:35 Silver Sponsor Remarks

Speaker: Abdifatah Mohamed Ali (General Manager, Bluecom)

09:35 → 09:40 Digital Media Partner Remarks

Speaker: Ahmed Adan Wacdi (General Manager, Deero)

09:40 → 09:45 Somali Networking Academy

Speaker: Sharaf Ahmed Roble (Executive Director, SONAK)

09:45 → 09:50 Opening Remarks

Speaker: Zakarie Ismael (VP, ISOC Somalia Chapter)

09:50 → 10:00 Opening Remarks

Opening Ceremony Remarks

Speaker: Abdikarim Mohaidin Ahmed (Deputy Chair, SomaliREN Rector, SIMAD University)

10:00 → 10:10 Opening Remarks

Speaker: Mohamed Mohamud (Rector, Somali National University)

10:10 → 10:20 Official Opening Address

Speaker: H.E. Mohamed Adam Mo’allim (MP State Minister of Communication and Technology, FGS)

10:20 → 11:00 Health Break and Photo Session

Speaker: All

11:00 → 11:15 Keynote Speaker I: Breaking Silos, Building Bridges: How Interoperability Fuels the Digital Economy

Keynote Speaker II:

Speaker: Abdullahi Bihi Hussien (Managing Director, SPS)

11:15 → 11:30 Keynote Speaker I: Innovating Together: Accelerating Digital Economy in Somalia

Speaker: Dr. Abdiwahab Abdullahi Elmi (CEO, Bravo Group)

11:30 → 11:40 Inclusive Fintech Innovation: Voice-Enabled Mobile Money for Visually Impaired Users in Somalia

Theme I: Critical Infrastructure

Speaker: Sa’dia Ahmed Jibril & Abdirahman Kulane (Di City University)

11:40 → 11:50 Inclusive Digital Services & Financial Innovation: Unlocking Economic Opportunity for Every Somali Citizen

Speaker: Abdullahi Abdulaziz Osman (Advisor, OPM)

11:50 → 12:00 The Importance of Data for an Inclusive and Innovative Digital Economy in Somalia

Speaker: Mohamed Ibrahim Nor (Researcher & Consultant)

12:00 → 12:10 Redefining Growth: What a True Digital Economy Means for Somalia

Speaker: Abdinor Ali Mohamed (National Economic Advisor, National Economic Council)

12:10 → 12:50 Plenary Session I: Enabling Inclusion: Unlocking Digital Services and Financial Innovation for All Somalis

Speakers: Abdinor Ali Mohamed (National Economic Advisor, National Economic Council), Bashir Ahmed Mohamud (Government Solutions Department Manager, Tabaarak ICT Solutions), Mohamed Amin Abdisamad (Director, Information Systems Department, NIRA), Rahmo Hassan Osman (Digital Governance & DPI Program Lead, UNDP)

12:50 → 13:50 Lunch and Prayers

Speaker: All

13:50 → 14:05 AI for Trusted Digital Ecosystem in Somalia Using A Zero-Trust Model for Inclusive Services

Speaker: Yahye Abukar Ahmed (SIMAD University)

14:05 → 14:20 The Role of Internet Connectivity in Accelerating Somalia's Digital Transformation

Speaker: Abdifatah Mohamed Ali (General Manager Bluecom)

14:20 → 14:35 Strategic Digital Leadership: Shaping Somalia’s Transformation Through Innovation & Infrastructure”

Speaker: Mohamed Adil (Data Center Manager)

14:35 → 14:45 How Digital Branding Builds Trust and Drives Somalia’s Digital Economy

Speaker: Mohamed Hirsi (Communications Specialist, Central Bank of Somalia)

14:45 → 15:30 Plenary Session II: Building Trust Online: Protecting Safety and Digital Rights in Somalia

Speakers: Abdifitah Mohamed Ali, (General Manager, Bluecom Somalia), Abdullahi Guled (Cybersecurity Specialist, Ministry of Communications and Technology), Ayan Khalif (Program Manager, Digital Shelter), Ayan Khalif (Program Manager, Digital Shelter), Yahye Abukar (Director, SIMAD AI Institute)

15:30 → 16:30 Wrap-up and Closing Remarks

1. SomNOG8 Workshop Graduation
2. Community Awards
3. Official Closing Remarks
4. SomNOG8 Communique

Speaker: Mr Official Closing Remarks Mustaf Yasin (Director General, NCA)