Hiiraan Online

Mogadishu (HOL) — The number of Somalis using the internet has climbed to 10.7 million in 2025, more than half the population, according to new government data. Officials say the rollout of Starlink’s satellite internet in August and a new national digital strategy are driving momentum toward greater connectivity.

Despite steady progress, Somalia still ranks 191st globally in the availability of online government services, highlighting persistent gaps in digital infrastructure and governance capacity. However, the country’s position within Africa has shown gradual improvement as connectivity widens and investment increases.

To bridge these gaps, the government has launched its Digital Strategy 2025–2030, a comprehensive plan to strengthen internet infrastructure, improve online government platforms, and create jobs in the technology sector. The strategy focuses on digital transformation in education, healthcare, agriculture, and finance, sectors that officials say are vital to building a sustainable digital economy.

Communications Minister Mohamed Aden Mohamud Ali said the initiative will align all digital projects under one national framework. “This plan will drive Somalia’s digital economy forward and open new opportunities for young innovators,” he said.

Starlink began operations after regulatory approval in April, with the National Communications Authority marking the entire country “available” on its global map within months. In September, AstaanConnect was named Somalia’s first official Starlink reseller, offering local sales, installation, and 24/7 support to households, businesses, and government offices.

Quality and affordability remain mixed. Somalia’s median fixed download speed was 18.76 Mbps at the start of 2025, according to DataReportal, a digital research and data analytics platform. It marked a 67 percent annual jump that now edges Kenya and is comparable to Djibouti, yet still trails global fixed medians near 95–100 Mbps. Capacity has improved with multiple subsea cable landings in Mogadishu, Berbera and Bosaso, but last-mile limits and high electricity costs are among Africa’s highest and constrain reliability outside major cities. Mobile data is relatively inexpensive (around $0.50 per GB in recent surveys), helping drive adoption even as device affordability and power quality continue to shape the user experience.

The expansion of affordable, high-speed internet, combined with the government’s reform agenda, could position Somalia as one of East Africa’s emerging digital markets. While challenges such as affordability and rural access remain, the country’s growing online population signals a significant step toward broader economic inclusion and technological modernization.