SNAIC Convenes Roundtable on Shaping Somalia’s AI Future
Mogadishu, Somalia – 2 October 2026 – The Somali National Artificial Intelligence Center (SNAIC) at Somali National University (SNU) convened a roundtable to discuss key priorities for advancing artificial intelligence in Somalia.
The roundtable brought together representatives from universities, technology companies and other institutions to exchange perspectives on strengthening Somalia’s AI foundations and advancing a coordinated approach to AI development.
Held under the theme “Shaping Somalia’s AI Future: A National Agenda for AI Centers, Policy, Literacy, Talent and Local Use Cases,” the roundtable focused on strengthening Somalia’s AI foundations through five key areas.
The five areas included establishing dedicated AI centers or units; developing policies to guide the responsible use of AI; expanding AI literacy; developing advanced Somali AI talent; and promoting locally driven AI applications in health, agriculture, education and business.
Dr. Mohamed Sh. Adam Isak, Director of the Somali National Artificial Intelligence Center (SNAIC), highlighted the priorities for strengthening Somalia’s AI foundations.
“Building Somalia’s AI future requires investment in advanced AI talent, stronger AI literacy and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. We also need institutions to develop solutions that respond to Somalia’s priorities and needs.”
Opening the roundtable, Prof. Fuad Mire Hassan, Deputy Rector for Planning and Development at Somali National University, emphasized the need for a coordinated approach and stronger collaboration among key stakeholders.
“Advancing artificial intelligence in Somalia requires a coordinated effort. Universities, government, the private sector and other institutions each have an important role to play, and stronger collaboration among them will be essential to building the capacity, institutions and solutions Somalia needs for its AI future,” said Prof. Fuad.
During the roundtable, participants also discussed the role of universities in developing advanced AI talent, encouraging universities and businesses to establish dedicated AI centers or units within their institutions, and the need for a wider AI literacy campaign to help the public understand how to use AI appropriately and responsibly. The discussion also emphasized the importance of institutional AI policies covering responsible use, data protection, ethics, and accountability.
The roundtable concluded with recommendations and stakeholder responsibilities that will inform a policy brief to be shared with the Federal Government of Somalia, higher education institutions, organizations and businesses. SNAIC will coordinate follow-up on the recommendations.
