Advancing digitalization in Somalia: The Role of AI in Driving Progress

Somalia has made significant strides towards digitalization in recent years, with the government and private sector working towards improving services in various sectors. One of the key drivers of this progress is the adoption and use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. In this blog post, we will explore the developments in AI in Somalia and the potential for further advancement.

E-Government

The Somali government has been implementing digital transformation in various areas of governance, including the launch of an e-government portal in 2017. This portal allows citizens to access government services online, improving efficiency, and transparency. The government has also been exploring the use of AI in enhancing citizen services, such as chatbots for automated customer support. Unfortunately, digital transformation in the government has not developed much since. One of the biggest challenges to implementing and using AI in Somalia is the lack of technical expertise.

Mobile Money

Somalia is among the world’s leaders in mobile money adoption, with over 70% of adults using mobile money services. This has revolutionized financial inclusion in the country, particularly in remote and under-banked areas. The use of AI in mobile money is a promising area for further development, including fraud detection, risk assessment, and customer personalization.

Education

In 2018 Somalia launched its first-ever e-learning platform, Somali Education Cloud, aimed at improving access to educational resources for students and teachers across the country, including conflict-affected areas. AI can enhance this platform by providing personalized learning experiences, intelligent feedback, and adaptive learning.

Health

The Somali government and private sector organizations have been leveraging technology to enhance healthcare delivery, including telemedicine services for remote consultations and diagnoses in areas with limited access to healthcare services. The use of AI in health tech can help with early disease detection, precision medicine, and patient monitoring, among others.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite the advancements, Somalia faces several challenges in advancing digitalization, including inadequate infrastructure and limited resources. However, the potential benefits of AI and other digital technologies are immense, and with a concerted effort from stakeholders, the country can leverage these tools to drive progress and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

Somalia’s progress towards digitalization has been significant, with the adoption and use of AI technologies being a key driver. While there are challenges, the potential for further advancement is immense. With a commitment from stakeholders in the public and private sectors, Somalia can harness the power of AI to drive progress and improve the lives of its citizens.

Also READ: Are African governments ready for Artificial Intelligence?

Photo: IOM Somalia/Tobin Jonesd