5/4/2024
Today from Hiiraan Online:  _
advertisements
Internet in Somalia: How internet access is transforming Somalia’s economy

City Life
Sunday April 2, 2023

By André De Bonis
 

Reuters / FILE A Somali man browses the internet on his mobile phone at a beach along the Indian Ocean coastline in Somalia's capital Mogadishu FEISAL OMAR 

Somalia is making great strides in transforming its economy with the help of improved internet access. The nation is a leader in the region for internet connectivity, with internet penetration rates now at 54 percent, according to the International Telecommunications Union. With this increased access, Somali citizens are able to take advantage of a range of economic opportunities.

The telecommunications sector has been a major contributor to the country’s economic growth. Mobile phone operators are now providing more affordable services to Somalis, allowing greater access to financial services, health information, and education. This has opened up new opportunities and enabled greater access to markets.

The internet has enabled businesses in Somalia to expand, particularly in the agricultural sector. Farmers now have access to real-time market information and can communicate with buyers and sellers more easily. This has enabled them to increase their profits and expand their operations.

The internet has also enabled Somali entrepreneurs to access global markets, giving them access to customers from around the world. This has enabled them to develop innovative products and services that can be exported to other countries. This is creating jobs and providing new sources of income for the country.

advertisements
The internet is also a great tool for education and training. Somali students have access to online courses and educational materials, enabling them to gain the skills they need to succeed in the global economy.

The increased access to the internet has also enabled an increase in the number of start-ups in Somalia. Technology companies are now able to access global investors and markets, leading to a surge in innovation and entrepreneurship. This is creating jobs and helping to reduce poverty.

The improved internet access in Somalia is having a huge positive impact on the economy. It is providing new opportunities for businesses, creating jobs, and giving Somalis access to the global economy. This is transforming the country and helping to ensure a more prosperous future.

The Impact of Social Media on Somali Politics

Somalia has experienced a period of political instability since the collapse of the Siad Barre regime in 1991. In recent years, however, the country has seen a rise in the use of social media as a tool for political participation and discourse.

The proliferation of social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook has enabled citizens to express their opinions, discuss political issues, and debate their views, ushering in a new era of political participation. This has had a profound effect on Somali politics, providing a means for citizens to engage in the political process and amplify their voices in the public sphere.

For example, social media has allowed activists to organize and campaign for political reform, such as the anti-corruption campaign in 2011. This campaign was successful in bringing attention to the issue of corruption and inspiring citizens to demand greater transparency and accountability from their leaders.

Social media has also been used as a platform for political debate, as citizens use it to share their views, discuss issues, and challenge the status quo. This has enabled a more open and inclusive political culture, allowing citizens to express their views and be heard regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.

Finally, the rise of social media has enabled a more direct form of citizen engagement with elected officials. Through social media, citizens can directly communicate with their representatives and hold them accountable for their actions. This has resulted in increased responsiveness from elected officials, as well as greater transparency and accountability.

In conclusion, the rise of social media has had a significant impact on Somali politics. It has enabled citizens to engage in the political process, amplify their voices, and hold their elected officials accountable. This has resulted in a more open and inclusive political culture and greater transparency and accountability from elected officials.

How Browsing the Internet is Changing Somali Culture

In the past decade, the internet has changed the way people live and interact with one another across the globe. In Somalia, the internet has had a particularly profound impact on culture and traditions. As more and more Somalis gain access to the internet, a new wave of cultural and political exchange is taking place.

When the internet first became readily available in Somalia, the government imposed strict censorship laws to limit certain forms of communication. In recent years, however, the government has relaxed these restrictions, allowing more Somalis to access the internet. This has opened up a new avenue of communication and exchange between Somalis in different parts of the world.

Somalis are now using the internet to share their culture and traditions with others. Through social media, Somalis are able to connect with one another and share stories, recipes, music, videos, and more. This has enabled Somali culture to spread to other parts of the world and gain international attention.

The internet has also enabled Somalis to stay informed about political and social issues. Through websites and social media, Somalis can stay up to date on local and international news, as well as share their opinions on such topics. This has allowed for a more open dialogue between Somalis and those in other countries.

The internet has even influenced the way Somalis dress. Online stores have become popular among Somalis, making traditional clothes more accessible. In addition, many Somalis are now using the internet to create their own fashion trends, which are then shared and discussed on social media.

The internet has revolutionized the way Somalis communicate and experience their culture. It has enabled Somalis to connect with one another and share their culture with the world. As more and more Somalis gain access to the internet, the impact of this technology on Somali culture is only expected to grow.

Exploring the Digital Divide in Somalia

Somalia has experienced a long and tumultuous history, including a civil war that lasted nearly two decades and ongoing conflicts with militant groups. Despite the many challenges the country faces, it is slowly progressing towards recovery. One critical issue that remains a barrier to progress is the digital divide.

The digital divide is defined as the gap between those who have access to digital technology and those who do not. In Somalia, this divide is particularly pronounced due to the limited resources and infrastructure available. According to a report from the United Nations Office for Project Services, only 7.4 percent of the population has access to the internet. This percentage is significantly lower than the global average of 57 percent.

The lack of access to the internet has a significant impact on the Somali people. It limits their ability to access information and resources, hinders economic growth, and prevents them from participating in the global economy. Furthermore, the digital divide has been linked to the gender gap in Somalia, as women often lack access to digital resources.

The government of Somalia is working to bridge the digital divide by supporting initiatives that provide access to technology and training on how to use it. These efforts include providing funding for technology startups, training teachers on using technology in the classroom, and increasing access to digital resources.

However, there is still much work to be done. In order to fully bridge the digital divide in Somalia, there must be a concerted effort from both the public and private sector. Private companies can invest in digital infrastructure, while the government can create incentives for businesses to invest in the country. Additionally, more resources must be directed towards training teachers and providing access to digital resources for those who lack access.

By investing in digital infrastructure and providing access to technology, Somalia can make strides towards bridging the digital divide. Doing so will open up a world of opportunities and help the country progress towards a brighter future.

Examining the Role of Telecommunications in Somalia’s Development

Somalia is a country in the Horn of Africa that has long been plagued by conflict and instability. Despite this, the country is making great strides in its development, and telecommunications has played an important role in this progress.

Telecommunications has enabled Somalis to stay connected despite the difficult circumstances. It has provided a platform for people to access vital information and communicate with family and friends, as well as to conduct business. This has allowed the country to remain connected to the global economy and to foster a culture of innovation.

In recent years, Somalia has seen a rapid expansion in the telecommunications industry. The country now has access to modern technologies such as mobile phones, the internet, and satellite communications. This has opened up new opportunities for Somalis to access services such as banking, healthcare, and education. It has also enabled businesses to reach new markets and expand their operations.

The government is also playing an important role in the development of the telecommunications sector. It has established a regulatory framework to ensure the industry is operating in a safe and secure environment. It has also invested in infrastructure such as fiber optic cable, which has improved access to the internet across the country.

Telecommunications has been a key factor in Somalia’s development. It has enabled people to access vital services, stay connected to the global economy, and foster a culture of innovation. The government is also playing an important role in the sector’s development, investing in infrastructure and establishing a regulatory framework. With continued investment and support, Somalia can continue to make progress in its development journey.



 





Click here