In a recent development, Somalia is making significant progress in crafting its inaugural ICT in Education Policy and Masterplan, with support from UNESCO. As part of this plan, the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education organized a recent workshop on digital learning policies that gathered key stakeholders.

The session delved into crucial matters, including leadership, infrastructure, digital literacy, and teacher skills. This collaborative effort signals a pivotal move for Somalia in leveraging technology to enhance education, addressing challenges stemming from years of civil unrest and the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The current draft of Somalia's ICT in Education Policy and Masterplan, a result of collaborative efforts by MoECHE, UNESCO, and stakeholders, explores the country's socio-economic status, ICT, and education landscape. Anticipation surrounds the forthcoming review of the comprehensive framework in early 2024, promising transformative changes in the country's educational landscape.

Why does it matter?

The integration of ICT in education is essential for promoting digital inclusion, especially in a context like Somalia. In an increasingly interconnected and digital world, nations that invest in robust ICT in education policies gain a competitive edge. Somalia is extending the implementation of ICT beyond education to various other sectors. Earlier this year, Somalia and Egypt signed a cooperation agreement to advance collaboration in the ICT and postal sectors. The focus is on exchanging knowledge in ICT and providing training in cutting-edge technologies like data analysis, AI, information security, fiber optics, and integrated systems.