Somalia is advancing plans to modernize its internet infrastructure through a nationwide transition to Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6), a move aimed at supporting future digital growth and improving the country’s connectivity capabilities. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to build a resilient and scalable digital ecosystem capable of meeting increasing demand for online services and emerging technologies.
The National Communications Authority (NCA), in collaboration with the National IPv6 Centre, recently convened a national technical workshop in Mogadishu, bringing together internet service providers, telecommunications experts, academic institutions and key stakeholders from the digital sector. The event focused on accelerating IPv6 adoption and identifying practical pathways for nationwide implementation.
The latest workshop builds on Somalia’s National IPv6 Strategy, launched in February 2025 to guide the country’s migration from IPv4, the aging internet addressing system that is increasingly constrained by a limited supply of addresses. IPv6 offers a vastly expanded address space, enabling the continued growth of internet-connected devices and supporting next-generation technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud services and 5G networks.
A key component of the strategy is the National IPv6 Centre, hosted by Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology in Mogadishu. The centre serves as a hub for research, training and technical capacity building, helping to develop local expertise in IPv6 deployment and network administration.
Speaking during the workshop, university and telecommunications leaders highlighted the importance of equipping future ICT professionals with the skills needed to support Somalia’s digital transformation. Officials also stressed that collaboration between government, academia and the private sector will be essential to ensuring a smooth transition.
The NCA reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing the country’s internet architecture, describing IPv6 as a critical foundation for future connectivity, innovation and economic development. As internet usage continues to grow across Somalia, authorities view the transition as a strategic investment designed to ensure the nation remains aligned with global technological advancements and prepared for the demands of an increasingly digital economy.