Artificial Intelligence law at Somalia
As of May 2025, Somalia does not have a comprehensive national artificial intelligence (AI) law. However, the country is actively exploring AI's potential through various initiatives and policies.
🇸🇴 National AI Policy Landscape
AI Policy Portal: Somalia is listed on the UNIDIR Artificial Intelligence Policy Portal, indicating its engagement in international discussions on AI governance. (cyberpolicyportal.org)
ICT Policy and Strategy (2019–2024): Somalia's National ICT Policy and Strategy outlines goals for digital transformation, including the establishment of a national ID system, e-government services, and digital infrastructure development. (MoCT)
📚 AI in Education and Capacity Building
ICT in Education Policy and Masterplan: In collaboration with UNESCO, Somalia is refining its ICT in Education Policy and Masterplan, focusing on digital literacy, teacher skills, and ICT infrastructure to enhance education. (UNESCO)
🛡️ Data Protection and Cybersecurity
Data Protection Act (2023): Somalia enacted its Data Protection Act in 2023, granting data rights and imposing obligations on data controllers. (DataGuidance)
Data Protection Authority: In February 2024, Somalia inaugurated its Data Protection Authority to oversee data protection compliance. (blog.africadataprotection.org)
🧠 AI Applications and Research
AI in Governance and Development: Research indicates AI's potential to address challenges in governance, healthcare, and economic planning in Somalia, despite barriers like limited infrastructure. (ResearchGate)
Project Jetson: UNHCR's Project Jetson uses AI to model displacement patterns, providing early warning systems for internally displaced persons in Somalia. (UN Global Pulse)
🧭 Regional and International Engagement
Somali AI Summit: The Somali AI Summit emphasized collaboration across sectors to harness AI for sustainable development. (Wakaaladda Wararka Qaranka Soomaaliyeed)
Counterterrorism Applications: Somalia is exploring AI tools for counterterrorism efforts, including tracking terrorist activities and identifying financial networks linked to extremist groups. (Goobjoog)
🔮 Future Outlook
While Somalia does not yet have a dedicated AI law, its initiatives in data protection, education, and international collaboration lay the groundwork for future AI governance. Continued development of digital infrastructure and capacity building will be crucial for integrating AI into Somalia's socio-economic framework.
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