Somalia Digital Inclusion is A Rights Issue

Somalia is taking steps towards digital inclusion, for its citizens, as a right. It is working towards full engagement in the digital economy. The Somali government recognizes that digital access is both a rights issue and an economic imperative. Through its Ministry of Communications and Technology (MoCT), it has developed the Somalia Digital Inclusion Policy. This policy seeks to resolve the challenges hindering access to information and communication technologies (ICT), particularly for marginalized groups.

The policy acknowledges that digital technologies are essential tools for education, opportunity, and overall well-being. Somalia has seen increased digital technology use, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, significant gaps persist. These gaps are especially noticeable among marginalized sectors of society. These include women and girls, youth, rural communities, and the urban poor. They also affect elderly people, people with disabilities, internally displaced people, refugees, and micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Barriers to digital inclusion in Somalia are multi-faceted, including:

• Limited access to broadband internet connectivity and devices: This is particularly pronounced in rural areas.
• Affordability: The cost of internet access and devices remains prohibitive for a large segment of the population. Individuals spend a significant part of their income on these services. Considering Somalia’s GDP per capita is approximately $644, and the GNI per capita is around $610
• Digital literacy: A significant number of Somalis lack the necessary skills and knowledge to use digital technologies effectively.
• Limited relevant content: The availability of content in the Somali language and in formats accessible to diverse needs remains limited.

The Digital Inclusion Policy aims to tackle these challenges through a range of interventions, including:

• Improving broadband internet connectivity and access to devices: The policy calls for developing a national broadband strategy. It also suggests creating a universal access policy to expand coverage and affordability, especially in undeserved areas.
• Increasing the accessibility, affordability, and utility of digital technologies: This goal involves launching affordable device access programs. It includes promoting community-based access to digital government services. Additionally, it ensures that government online services are accessible at no or minimal data cost.
• Enhancing awareness, digital literacy, and skills: This involves developing digital literacy programs tailored to the needs of marginalized groups. It also includes raising awareness about the benefits of digital technologies and promoting online safety.
• Facilitating digitally inclusive public service delivery and content. This involves designing user-centred e-government services. It also means providing inclusive and accessible digital public services. Furthermore, it encourages the creation of culturally empowering content in the Somali language.
• Monitoring, evaluation, and learning: The policy emphasizes the importance of establishing key performance indicators. It also includes developing a monitoring and evaluation plan. Additionally, it involves documenting lessons learned to guarantee continuous improvement.

The Somali government has committed to mobilizing resources for this ambitious policy. They have an estimated budget of US $32 million for the first five years. The success of the Digital Inclusion Policy hinges on sustained political will. It also depends on collaboration across government agencies. Partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and development partners are crucial.

Here is the article about the policy they developed https://kcl.co.ug/somalia-strives-for-digital-inclusion-new-study-unveils-challenges-and-opportunities/

Also find more about the work UNDP is doing to bring digital transformation in Somalia through this link https://www.undp.org/arab-states/press-releases/undp-and-visa-partner-boost-digital-transformation-and-financial-inclusion-somalia