In a significant step toward enhancing Somalia’s digital infrastructure, the Cabinet of the Federal Government has officially ratified the Submarine Cable Regulations, crafted by the National Communications Authority (NCA). This move reinforces the nation’s commitment to building a secure, competitive, and transparent framework for international connectivity.
The regulations will apply to all licensees operating submarine cable landing stations and submarine cables within the country. Their objectives include expanding Somalia’s international bandwidth capacity, ensuring fair access to submarine cable infrastructure, and fostering a dynamic, competitive connectivity market.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the Minister for Communications and Technology, H.E. Mohamed Adam, for presenting this regulation to the Cabinet and championing its adoption,” said Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, Director General of the NCA. “We also would like to thank the IFC for their technical support during the preparation and consultation phases of this vital regulation.”
Over the past decade, Somalia has undergone a significant transformation in digital connectivity. The country’s first fiber-optic connection via the EASSy cable landed in 2013, ending reliance on costly satellite links. Since then, Somalia has become an emerging connectivity hub along the East African coast, with at least five major international submarine cables either operational or planned (EASSy, DARE1, PEACE, G2A, and 2Africa).
The NCA’s regulatory framework is seen as critical to managing this rapid growth and ensuring that all market participants benefit equitably. It also supports resilience, particularly in a region that has experienced cable outages due to seismic activity and shipping disruptions.
The adoption of the Submarine Cable Regulations reflects Somalia’s strategic ambition to become a digital gateway for East Africa and a competitive player in the global digital economy.
