Somalia’s NCA, IFC launch regulations to boost telecom competition and improve submarine cable landings

Somalia's National Communications Authority (NCA) has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to introduce new regulations to improve submarine cable landings and boost competition in the telecommunications sector.

During a two-day workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, the NCA and IFC gathered with telecom operators, industry experts, and government officials to develop a regulatory framework to shape Somalia's future digital infrastructure. The new regulations will address licensing for submarine cable landings, environmental impacts, infrastructure sharing, and fostering competition among telecom companies. These efforts aim to align Somalia's telecommunications standards with global norms while supporting its economic development goals.

NCA Director General Mustafa Yasin Sheikh emphasized that collaboration between private sector stakeholders and regulators is crucial for advancing Somalia's digital connectivity. Sheikh added that Somalia's telecom sector can better serve consumers and contribute to the nation's broader economic recovery by creating a competitive environment.

Opening the workshop, Somalia's Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, praised the private sector for playing a key role in Somalia's recovery from decades of conflict. He noted that technological and economic advancements are helping drive the country's progress.

The workshop is a key component of the NCA's comprehensive strategy to bolster Somalia's telecommunications network. The plan aims to position the country as a frontrunner in the region's digital infrastructure. With the backing of the IFC, Somalia is striving to establish a more competitive telecom market that encourages innovation, generates employment, and fuels economic growth.