Somalia moves to strengthen consumer rights in expanding digital market

The National Communications Authority (NCA) convened a one-day consultative meeting to review and gather feedback on the draft Telecommunications Consumer Protection Regulation.

The session brought together telecommunications companies, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), submarine cable operators, consumer representatives, and other key stakeholders to examine the structure of the draft regulation and provide recommendations for its effective implementation.

The consultation highlighted the policy objectives, guiding principles, and key provisions contained in the draft framework.

Speaking at the opening session, the Director General of the National Communications Authority, Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, emphasized the importance of strengthening consumer trust as Somalia’s digital market continues to expand.

“A fair, transparent, and accountable communications environment is essential for building public trust and supporting the country’s digital transformation. Protecting consumer rights is a shared responsibility between the Authority and service providers,” he said.

The draft regulation sets out clear protections for consumer rights and service quality standards. It enhances transparency in pricing and contractual terms, defines the obligations and compliance requirements of operators, and establishes enforcement measures and penalties to ensure accountability across the telecommunications sector.

Stakeholders provided input on implementation mechanisms, proposed timelines, and industry readiness for compliance. The meeting also reviewed findings from the Consumer Protection Survey and outlined the roadmap for finalizing and operationalizing the regulation.

The National Communications Authority stated that it will consider all recommendations before issuing the final version of the Telecommunications Consumer Protection Regulation. The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a competitive, secure, and consumer-focused telecommunications market nationwide.