By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Somalia has stepped up efforts
to assess its readiness for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, with Hormuud
University participating as an academic stakeholder in a national assessment
led by the Ministry of Communications and Technology in collaboration with
UNESCO and other partners.
The National Artificial
Intelligence Readiness Assessment brought together stakeholders to examine
Somalia’s preparedness to develop and deploy AI responsibly and to identify
areas requiring further investment and policy development.
Hormuud University was
represented by Yusuf Abas Mohamed, an academic staff member and PhD candidate
in artificial intelligence, who served on the National AI Readiness Assessment
Committee.
The committee considered key
issues shaping Somalia’s emerging AI ecosystem, including AI policy and
strategy, responsible AI, data governance, ethical considerations and the role
of higher education in developing the country’s technical capacity.
The assessment is expected
to provide insights that can support the development of policies and strategies
for the responsible adoption of AI while strengthening the institutional and
human capacity required to sustain the technology’s growth in Somalia.
Hormuud University said its
participation reflects its commitment to supporting Somalia’s digital
transformation through AI education, research, innovation and capacity
building.
The university is the first
in Somalia to offer bachelor’s degree programmes in artificial intelligence,
positioning it as an emerging contributor to the country’s efforts to develop
specialised AI skills.
The institution said it
intends to continue working with government agencies, UNESCO, academia,
industry and development partners to support an inclusive and ethical AI
ecosystem in Somalia.
