The Somali Network Operators’ Group (SomNOG) successfully convened its 8th Annual Workshops, Tutorials, and Conference (SomNOG8) from 7–11 December 2025 in Mogadishu, marking 10 years of sustained, community-led capacity building in Somalia’s Internet and ICT ecosystem.
SomNOG8 was organized by the Somali Research and Education Network (SomaliREN) in collaboration with the Internet Society Somalia Chapter, bringing together network engineers, system administrators, software developers, policymakers, academia, private sector actors, and development partners from across the country.
Three Days of Hands-On Technical Workshops
The event began with three days of intensive technical workshops, delivered across three parallel tracks:
- Track 1: Network Infrastructure, focusing on the design, configuration, and operation of scalable Internet-connected networks.
- Track 2: Systems and Services, covering the deployment and management of core Internet services such as DNS, email, web services, and system administration.
- Track 3: Software Development, aimed at strengthening practical software engineering skills and modern development practices.
More than 100 participants were trained across the three tracks, selected through a competitive application process, reinforcing SomNOG’s commitment to quality, hands-on learning and real-world skills development.
Tutorials on Emerging and Critical Internet Topics
Following the workshops, SomNOG8 hosted a full day of parallel tutorials, allowing participants to deepen their knowledge in specialized areas. The tutorials included:
- Online Trust & Safety: Protecting Yourself in the Digital World
- Code to Cloud: The Ultimate CI/CD Workshop
- Wireless Campus Network Implementation
- Cloud Computing: Architecting, Deploying, and Securing Solutions on AWS
These sessions attracted participants from all workshop tracks and the wider ICT community, fostering cross-disciplinary learning and engagement.
SomNOG8 Conference: Reflection, Dialogue, and Policy Engagement
The event concluded with the SomNOG8 Annual Conference, which featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, and stakeholder dialogue on Somalia’s digital future.
SomNOG Chairman Mohamed Ali Ahmed (Bile) welcomed participants and opened the conference with a presentation reflecting on SomNOG’s 10-year journey. His remarks highlighted the community-driven nature of SomNOG, its impact on skills development, and the growing role of ICT professionals in shaping Somalia’s digital transformation.
The conference was officially opened by H.E. Mohamed Aden Soomaali, Minister of Communications & Technology, who delivered a keynote address praising SomNOG’s decade-long contribution to Somalia’s ICT ecosystem. The Minister commended the community for its consistency, technical focus, and collaboration, and encouraged participants to continue playing an active role in advancing Somalia’s digital development and Internet infrastructure.
Panel Discussions on Inclusion, Trust, and Digital Rights
Two panel discussions anchored the conference program:
- Enabling Inclusion: Unlocking Digital Services and Financial Innovation for All Somalis, exploring how inclusive digital services can drive economic participation and innovation.
- Building Trust Online: Protecting Safety and Digital Rights in Somalia, focusing on online safety, digital rights, and the importance of trust in a connected society.
The panels brought together experts from government, industry, civil society, and the technical community, encouraging open dialogue and shared understanding.
A Decade of Impact, Looking Ahead
As SomNOG celebrates 10 years of impact, SomNOG8 reaffirmed the value of community-led, non-profit, and collaborative approaches to Internet capacity building. Through SomaliREN, the Internet Society Somalia Chapter, government partners, sponsors, and volunteers, SomNOG continues to serve as a platform for learning, collaboration, and professional growth.
SomNOG remains committed to its mission of “Towards a better Internet, through effective collaboration.”
