SIGF 2024

Theme & Objectives

Under the theme “Empowering Somalia's Digital Future through Collaborative Internet Governance”, the forum aimed to adapt global IGF principles to Somalia's rapidly changing digital landscape, and to align with the National Transformational Plan 2025–2029.

• Encourage evidence-based discussion on three main themes — content regulation, multistakeholder governance and fintech / e-commerce oversight
• Forge consensus on a balanced regulatory approach that counters harmful online content while safeguarding freedom of expression
• Strengthen national capacity and partnerships across all stakeholder groups to advance Somalia's Transformation Plan 2025–2029
• Institutionalise an annual IGF process that channels Somali perspectives to the African and Global IGFs

Outcomes & Recommendations

Guided by Somalia's National Transformational Plan 2025–2029 and aligned with the country's ICT Policy and Strategy, SIGF 2024 was designed to achieve four tangible outcomes: inclusive, meaningful dialogue on Internet governance issues; the exchange of best practices for Somalia's digital ecosystem; practical suggestions for lawmakers and regulators; and improved national capability through collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

The forum closed with a set of policy recommendations agreed across stakeholder groups.

• Effective Internet governance depends on the inclusive involvement of government, the private sector, civil society, academia and the technical community
• Content regulation must be transparent, fair and proportionate, backed by judicial oversight and a consistent transparency process
• Long-term strategies against misinformation should emphasise stronger education systems and digital literacy
• A robust multi-stakeholder framework needs transparency, ongoing consultation and accessible appeal procedures
• Academic institutions should underpin policy with independent research, observatories and experimental sandboxes
• Ethical reporting, fact-checking and editorial independence are essential to preventing the spread of fake news
• In fintech, regulators should encourage open API standards, unified settlement systems and shared clearing infrastructure to advance financial inclusion

Programme

The two-day programme was built around high-level opening speeches, three thematic panel sessions and a series of expert presentations, with interactive tools such as Slido polls and open-floor discussion gathering real-time feedback from the room.

• Day 1 — Opening ceremony: Quran recitation, National Anthem, and a short documentary on Somalia's internet journey
• Day 1 — Keynote: Shaping the Future of Digital Governance — A Collaborative Multi-stakeholder Approach
• Day 1 — Panel: Balancing Content Regulation and Freedom of Speech on the Internet
• Day 1 — Presentations: Exploring Polarizing Issues in Somalia; Internet Governance in the Era of AI; Bridging the Digital Divide
• Day 2 — Presentation and panel: Enhancing Internet Governance Through Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
• Day 2 — Presentation and panel: Mobile Money for All, and Fintech Governance
• Day 2 — Policy recommendations and closing session