ICT regulatory transformationalstrategy and roadmap for Somalia

The Roadmap for Transformation in Somalia’s ICT Regulatory Transformational Strategy and Roadmap is a four-phase plan guiding the country’s transition from a Generation 2 (G2) to a Generation 4 (G4) regulatory framework, in line with ITU standards.

The transition from a Generation 2 (G2) to a Generation 4 (G4) regulatory framework is a complex and far-reaching process that requires careful planning, sustained commitment, and strategic coordination. To navigate this journey, the National Communications Authority (NCA) has developed a detailed transformation roadmap, which serves as the backbone of Somalia’s ICT regulatory modernization efforts.

This roadmap is not merely a checklist of technical reforms—it is a structured, multi-phase process that reflects a deep understanding of Somalia’s current institutional capabilities, regulatory gaps, and future ambitions. Its design ensures that the transformation is inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable, aligning with international best practices while being grounded in the Somali context.

At its core, the roadmap aims to:

• Strengthen the institutional foundation of the ICT regulator;
• Introduce a modern, flexible regulatory regime that can accommodate emerging technologies;
• Foster fair competition and innovation through well-defined legal mechanisms; and
• Ensure that ICT policies contribute meaningfully to socio-economic development across all regions of Somalia.

By dividing the transformation into four well-defined phases—Assessment and Planning, Implementation and Capacity Building, Monitoring and Adjustment, and Final Review and G4 Compliance Verification—the roadmap provides a logical and phased path to reform. Each phase includes clear objectives, targeted actions, and performance indicators to ensure accountability and transparency.

Moreover, the roadmap recognizes that the success of regulatory transformation depends on more than legal changes. It requires:

• Investment in human capital;
• Deployment of new tools and systems;
• Active participation from industry, government, and civil society;
• And a continuous feedback loop to refine strategies in response to real-world developments.

In essence, this roadmap is a dynamic tool for reform, designed to evolve as Somalia’s ICT ecosystem grows. It provides both a strategic direction and a practical implementation plan for achieving a G4-level regulatory environment—one that is resilient, forward-looking, and responsive to the needs of a digitally empowered society.

Phase 1: Assessment and planning

Objective:
To carry out a comprehensive diagnostic of Somalia’s current ICT regulatory environment and develop a roadmap to bridge the gap to G4 standards.

Key actions:

1. Comprehensive review:
   • Evaluate existing laws, policies, and institutional practices.
   • Benchmark them against G4 criteria set by the ITU Regulatory Tracker.
2. Gap analysis:
   • Identify where Somalia’s current Generation 2 (G2) framework falls short in comparison to G4 requirements.
3. Stakeholder consultations:
   • Engage with telecom operators, ISPs, civil society, private sector actors, and government institutions to understand pain points and gather feedback.
4. Work plan development:
   • Define specific goals, expected results, milestones, responsible entities, and timelines.
   • Address needs related to legal reform, technical capacity, and institutional changes.

Phase 2: Implementation and Capacity Building

Objective:
To introduce the necessary regulatory reforms and strengthen the capacity of the National Communications Authority (NCA) to enforce and oversee the new framework.

Key Actions:

1. Legal and regulatory amendments:
   • Update or draft new laws and regulations to align with G4 criteria (e.g. license-exempt services, SMP regulation, number portability, infrastructure sharing mandates).
2. Institutional strengthening:
   • Establish specialized departments (e.g. for competition regulation, cybersecurity, and digital content).
   • Create partnerships with other regulatory bodies to harmonize governance over broadcasting, fintech, and digital services.
3. Human capacity development:
   • Train NCA staff in advanced ICT regulation, legal enforcement, monitoring systems, and data analytics.
   • Promote a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
4. Pilot projects:
   • Test regulatory innovations (e.g. number portability or secondary spectrum trading) on a limited basis.
   • Use pilot results to refine the approach before full-scale implementation.

Phase 3: Monitoring and adjustment

Objective:
To track the progress of implementation, evaluate outcomes, and adjust the strategy based on lessons learned and real-world dynamics.

Key actions:

1. Monitoring & rvaluation (M&E) mechanism:
   • Design a formal M&E framework with indicators, baselines, and targets.
   • Track implementation progress across all four pillars (Authority, Mandate, Regime, Competition).
2. Regular reporting:
   • Prepare periodic reports (e.g. quarterly or semi-annual) detailing implementation progress, stakeholder feedback, and emerging challenges.
3. Adaptive management:
   • Use evidence from the M&E system to refine the strategy dynamically.
   • Make adjustments to regulatory instruments or institutional arrangements as needed.

Phase 4: Final review and G4 compliance verification

Objective:
To verify that Somalia meets G4 regulatory standards and establish a foundation for future evolution toward G5 (collaborative digital governance).

Key actions:

1. Final Evaluation:
   • Conduct a comprehensive review of all strategic interventions and outcomes.
   • Assess the alignment of Somalia’s regulatory environment with ITU’s G4 model across all indicators.
2. Independent Audit:
   • Engage an independent third-party auditor or expert team to assess compliance with international best practices.
   • Validate whether the legal, institutional, and operational criteria for G4 are fully met.
3. Future Planning (Toward G5):
   • Develop a roadmap for future advancement beyond G4.
   • Focus areas may include AI governance, cross-sectoral digital coordination, and multi-stakeholder governance models.