Thursday August 29, 2024
By BRIAN ORUTA
Somalia National Communication Authority Director General Mustafa Sheekh fifth from right with members of the East Africa Communications Organisation at the NCA offices in Mogadishu. Image: NCA
The government of Somalia now seeks strengthen and enhance its communication in East Africa.
This follows a meeting with a high-level delegation from the East African Communications Organisation (EACO), led by the Director, Dr. Ally Yahaya Simba.
The delegation, while in Somalia held meetings with key stakeholders in communication in the country, including Communications and Technology Minister Mohamed Aadan and National Communications Authority Director General Mustafa Yaasiin Sheekh.
According to NCA director general, the delegation was in the country to assess the current state of communication and other related policies.
Sheekh said after the assessment, Somalia can now harmonise communication laws with other countries in East Africa and contribute to the region’s development.
“The purpose of the delegation was to gain insight into the state of communication in the country and related policies. We hope that after this visit, we will fully participate in other communication activities in East and Central Africa.
“This will help us seize opportunities for exchanging ideas, harmonizing communication laws, and ensuring that our communication companies contribute to the extensive development of the East African region," he said.
Head of the delegation Simba expressed his admiration for the advancements in Somalia's communication sector.
He added that by working with EACO they can advance Somalia’s ICT sector to benefit citizens.
"I am very pleased to be in Mogadishu. I am impressed by the ICT progress in Somalia, especially the affordable prices of ICT services that have caught my attention. I believe that by working together regionally, we can jointly advance the ICT sector to benefit the citizens of our countries."
Minister Maalim thanked the delegation for the visit, underscoring Somalia's readiness to leverage the experiences and knowledge of EACO member countries.
The visit is part of broader efforts to strengthen regional relations and cooperation in the field of communication, marking a significant milestone in fostering collaboration within the East African communications landscape.
Somalia, which boasts one of the longest coastlines and human resources in the region, recently joined the eight nation East Africa Community (EAC) block.
The move allows Somalia nationals to move and trade freely among the countries including neighbouring Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.