Somaliland Telecommunication 5-Years Strategic Plan

1. Executive Summary
The President of Somaliland’s reform Agenda has served as a catalyst for change throughout the Somaliland Republic. The President believes that “government needs to reform its operations – how it goes about its business and how it treats the people it serves.” To date, many Somaliland
government institutions and agencies have more often used information technology (IT) to automate pre-existing processes rather than to create new, more efficient solutions. They and their vendors have evaluated ICT systems according to how well they serve the agency’s needs –
instead of focusing on the needs of the citizen National security. The Ministry’s mission and priorities strongly support the National development plan II, which describes maintaining the human rights of every citizen through good
MICT has designed a unique ICT Strategic Plan initiative that will facilitate the process of institutions and government agencies’ business transformation to better serve to the Stakeholders. –
This initiative will reduce redundancies of effort, provide cost savings through streamlining activities, and guide government organizational realignments to maximize efficiencies. The initiatives address the 14 critical areas for and they have made redundant investments to preserve unnecessary bureaucratic chains of command that lost their purpose years ago. –
ICT Strategic Plant is designed to use digital technologies to transform the way that State works to improve services to its Stakeholders citizens, businesses, other government agencies,
and its internal components
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) is committed to bringing upfront a concrete plan of action for implementing and expanding ICT Strategic Plan initiatives to ensure and secure more excellent services at lower costs and to meet the public demand for e-government. Following continues assessments and studies by the MICT on government institution’s use of ICT infrastructure and implementation of different ICT projects by government institutions, MICT recognized an opportunity for ICT Strategic Plan transformation. It realized that the Ministry could more prudently introduce and manage in its capacity all government institution’s ICT projects and systems to increase efficiency, improve resource management, simplify processes, and unify information flow across the Government’s services.

2. Strategic Goals
The fourteen strategic goals are listed here by
Strategic Goal Developing and Implementing ICT Regulatory Framework
Strategic Goal Improving ICT Infrastructure
Strategic Goal: Managing ICT Scarce Resources
Strategic Goal: Ensuring Universal Access
Strategic Goal: ICT Equipment Type Approval and Standardization
Strategic Goal: ICT Literacy
Strategic Goal: Digital Transformation
Strategic Goal: ICT enabled education.
Strategic Goal: ICT for Women and People with (PWD)
10. Strategic Goal: Implementing E-Government
11. Strategic Goal: Developing National Data Center and e-Government systems
12. Strategic Goal: Innovation and entrepreneurship
13. Strategic Goal: ICT Research
14. Strategic Goal: Providing Postal Services
Government reform through the use of ICT Strategic Plan as outlined above: MICT is excited to be the leading and supporting partner on several projects under the ICT government initiative, ICT Strategic Projects that are designed in this initiative will be delivered across Somaliland Government’s institutions and agencies to significantly improve productivity and generate performance gains. As we move forward in developing electronic government activities across GoSL’s institutions and agencies, MICT welcomes any input to our progress in better-delivering services.
Technology is a critical tool in the deployment of the government’s ICT Strategic Plan initiatives, but it is only worthwhile if it meets the unwavering commitment of the leadership with allocating necessary resources. On the other hand, if not well conceived and implemented, ICT Strategic Plan initiatives can waste resources, fail in their promise to deliver useful services and thus increase public frustration with government.
Particularly in the developing world, where resources are scarce, ICT Strategic Plan must target areas with high chances for success and produce “winners.”

2.1.1.1 Introduction.
The Strategic Plan provides the strategic framework for MICT AND Somaliland ICT As well seeks to provide all stakeholders across all levels of government, private sector, civil society and the public
with a clear roadmap to drive economic, social, cultural and political transformation through effective use of ICTs.
ICT has a critical role in enabling socio-economic development with positive impacts on job creation, delivery of health care, education and research, and civic participation Including the areas of education, health, finance, Gender empowerment and social transformation, employment and social development.
The Strategy therefore aims to address MICT infrastructure and other ecosystem gaps through the use of several policy instruments and actions that make use of this plans, It is expected to provide the required ICT Framework and integrated support that will contribute to building a cohesive and economically independent society.
4. Alignment of ICT Policy with National
Regional & Global Commitment
This plan is also alignment with the Somaliland national vision 2030 as its pillar 2 second most
Curial for pillar 1 realization which is the economic Development as indicated in vision 2030 and saying:
“It is envisaged that Somaliland will become a nation with a sophisticated telecommunication system by 2030. A good communication network is essential for the development of a modern
economy, e-government and e-learning, which are required if Somaliland is to transform itself to a middle-income country by 2030. The private sector has done very well in developing a world
class competitive mobile system. But the internet is slow, expensive and its coverage is limited. To overcome this problem, the government is determined to connecting the nation to the international
fiber optic highway and ensuring its access to every home, business, school, and government department”.
In SL NDP11 executive summery “By 2021, the Government of Somaliland will have increased funding into scientific research on technological advancement within the Somaliland context by 10%”
In terms of education Also in NDP 11 we have that by 2021, 70% of University graduates will have
minimum IT literacy skill sets also it mentions that by 2021, 70% of Teacher Vocational Education
Training TVET (graduates have minimum IT literacy skill sets
In NDP11 Again by 2021; USD 3 million will be secured and distributed into science, technology,
engineering and mathematics international scholarships for post graduate students.
By 2021, the Government of Somaliland will increase universal and affordable access to relevant information and communications technology by 15%
This Policy will be used as a reference for the ICT components to help guide its development, and to MICT FIVE YEARS STRATEGIC PLAN 2021-2025 be in alignment with. In this respect the Policy aims to support the country’s long-term vision for socio-economic development and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including economic transformation, national cohesion, human development, public governance and security, and cross cutting issues (e.g., gender equality and persons with disabilities). Globally, there is a target in SDG 9c of universal and affordable access across the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by 2020. Concerted action
will be required to achieve this in Somaliland and to ensure that access to ICTs can be the engine of development that is expected across all SDGs.
Many national and regional agreements and commitments are aligned to this global vision of universal and affordable access to all, including those among East African countries and at the African Union level.
The goals set by the UN Broadband Commission provide more detailed targets:
By 2025, all countries should have a funded national broadband plan or strategy, or include broadband in their universal access and services definition.
By 2025, entry-level broadband services should be made affordable in developing countries, at less than 2% of monthly gross national income per capita.
By 2025 Broadband-Internet user penetration should reach:
a.) 75% worldwide
b.) 65% in developing countries c.) 35% in LDCs
By 2025, 60% of youth and adults should have achieved at least a minimum level of proficiency in sustainable digital skills.
By 2025, 40% of the world’s population should be using digital financial services.
By 2025, lack of connectedness of Micro-, Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises should be reduced by 50%, by sector.
By 2025, gender equality should be achieved across all targets It is recognized there are many key issues that need to be addressed to achieve an optimal ICT ecosystem able to foster progress towards the SDG connectivity targets, and other commitments.
For example, limited digital literacy levels, lack of local content, security issues, gender inequalities and the absence of affordable energy supply are all significant barriers that need to be dealt with. This Policy also acknowledges the need to take into account fast moving technology developments in the ICT space, such as the emerging areas of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Machine to Machine (M2M) services, Net Neutrality, Big Data, Block chain Technologies and Crypto currencies. As these evolve the Strategy will need to be reviewed and adjusted accordingly.
6. MICT Core Values:
1. Professionalism:
• The organization will strive to operate at the highest level of professionalism in all business dealings at all times.
• Professionalism is a valued quality that comprises friendly, polite and business-like characteristics. It drives a person’s appearance, personality and professional interactions, providing others with a lasting first impression.
• Officials must demonstrate professionalism by adhering to courtesy, honesty and responsibility when dealing with clients and portraying the organizational image and integrity.
• Officials must demonstrate a level of excellence that goes beyond our normal work and official requirements.
2. Diversity
• Officials understand that each person is unique, recognizing and respecting their individual differences. This can include race, ethnicity, gender, age, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status or other ideologies.
• The MICT will promote a safe, positive and nurturing environment for everyone.
• Officials understand each other, beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. Therefore, officials must embrace the variety of people within the MICT; be able to respond to the diverse public; and harness the diversity of employees by giving people the freedom to express themselves – thereby contributing towards democracy and equality.
3. Openness and Transparency
• The organization is open in all its communication and accountable and responsible for its actions.
• The MICT values transparency and being straightforward and genuine in all its dealings with people.
• Officials provide colleagues and clients access to accurate, relevant and timeous information.
• The MICT recognizes that transparency and accountability are essential to good governance
4. Innovation
• The organization strives for the receptivity of new ideas, thinking and approaches that are flexible and solutions that are different and officials have the ability to think beyond the norm.
• Officials often attend to problems and issues that others are unable or unwilling to address on their
own.
5. Honesty and integrity
• Officials exercise honesty in all their business dealings and strive to protect the integrity of the organization Officials commit to the actions they take to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients.
• The MICT strives for equity, fairness and good ethics in decision-making and in the treatment of one another.
• The MICT honors its commitments with honesty and integrity to build a foundation for trust
Efficiency and effectiveness Patriotism.
7. Mandate of Ministry of Information
Communication Technology.
The mandate of the Ministry is as derived from the Executive Order No. 01 / 2018. 01/2018 The Somaliland Ministry of ICT mandated to carry out responsibility for implementing a system to effectively monitor the country’s communications, with transparency and accountability. In order to carry out the general responsibility set out in this official Gazette Legislation No,.01 / 2018. 01/2018 Article 18: Ministry of Communication and Technology is set to have
the following capabilities and functions:
Establish and formulate policies and strategies that govern the communication and technology of the country and safeguard the rights and freedoms of citizens.
To prepare for the administration’s operation and oversight of the communication plan of the country.
Participate in and promote policies related to technological advancement and communication.
iv. Establishing the costs of the various fees charged by telecommunications companies operating in the country, and ensuring that these services are collected in collaboration with the relevant government agencies.
v. Supervise the country’s telecommunications companies and regulate the prices of telecommunications services.
vi. To increase the revenue and dividends imposed on companies.
vii. To develop knowledge of communication and technology in the country in collaboration
With the Ministry of Education and Science. Manage the country’s waves and generate a country code.
MICT FIVE YEARS STRATEGIC PLAN 2021-2025
viii. To issue licenses for telecommunications companies operating in the country and renew Licenses.
ix. To Administer the communication between government and private communication. Establish a public communication site and register their addresses to promote communication and transparency with government agencies;
x. To work towards the interconnection of Private Telecommunication Train various government agencies on the use and use of modern communication and technology systems; Promote the general policy of communication and information technology in Somaliland.
xi. To Protect government data stored in technology, such as computers, etc.
xii. To Conduct research on telecommunications and technology to enable the country to align with the world.
xiii. To monitor and monitor the implementation and implementation of telecommunication Laws, policies and communication plans in the country. to mediate and limit the abuse of the waves;
xiv. The Ministry shall represent the Government in all matters relating to communication and technology. Perform all other duties and responsibilities assigned by the laws of the country.
Mandate of Ministry of information and
communication technology
Ministry of ICT Is formed by the Executive Order No. 01 / 2018. 01/2018 The Somaliland Ministry of ICT to carry out responsibility for implementing a system to effectively monitor the country’s communications, with transparency and accountability. In order to carry out the general responsibility set out in this official Gazette Legislation No,.01 / 2018. 01/2018 Article 18: Ministry of Communication and Technology is set to have the following capabilities
and functions as to:
Establish and formulate policies, Policies and strategies that govern the communication and technology of the country and safeguard the rights and freedoms of citizens. To prepare for the administration’s operation and oversight of the communication plan of the country.
Participate in and promote policies related to technological advancement and communication.
Establishing the costs of the various fees charged by telecommunications companies operating in the country, and ensuring that these services are collected in collaboration with the relevant government agencies.
Supervise the country’s telecommunications companies and regulate the prices of telecommunications services. To increase the revenue and dividends imposed on companies.
Develop knowledge of communication and technology in the country in collaboration With the Ministry of Education and Science. Manage the country’s waves and generate a country code.
Issue licenses for telecommunications companies operating in the country and renew
MICT FIVE YEARS STRATEGIC PLAN 2021-2025 Licenses.
8. Administer the communication between government and private communication.
9. Establish a public communication site and register their addresses to promote
10. Communication and transparency with government agencies;
11. To work towards the interconnection of Private telecommunication
12. Train various government agencies on the use and use of modern communication and
technology systems; Promote the general policy of communication and information technology in Somaliland.
13. Protect government data stored in technology, such as computers, etc.
14. Conduct research on telecommunications and technology to enable the country to align with the world.
15. To monitor the implementation of telecommunication Laws, policies and communication plans in the country.
16. The Ministry shall represent the Government in all matters relating to communication and technology. Perform all other duties and responsibilities assigned by the laws of the country.
9 Somaliland Telecommunication
situation in analysis
Telecommunications in Somaliland is one of the most dynamic and innovative industry sectors in Somaliland, with very competitive open Market, there are four MNOs operating in Somaliland. Mobile penetration is 45% and fierce competition has led MNOs to offer some of the world’s cheapest mobile rates.
The telecommunications industry is investing heavily in this region to improve connectivity;
3G and 4G has already been rolled out in Most regions and the port city of Barbara is being connected to the Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System.
• Telephone coverage is approx. 95% of the country
• International calls made from Somaliland are some of the cheapest in Africa
• 3 major Telecom companies: Telesom, Somtel and Sociable
• Somaliland is amongst the most active mobile money markets in the world
• 26% of telephone subscribers use mobile money to pay bills – the highest use in the world
9.1 ICT in Somaliland:
Shortage of human resource prevails in the ICT area. Although this is a well-known fact, of that it not yet defined a clear policy on ICT related human resource Skills and development. For instance, ICT related education is not given the same degree of importance given to other education syllabus such as Art Studies and Business. Hence, it is feared that even the existing ICT education programs, especially those in higher education institutions, may be abandoned altogether.
MICT FIVE YEARS STRATEGIC PLAN 2021-2025
A glaring example that justifies the foregoing fear is that the ICT Institutions will find it difficult obtain the necessary fund and consideration.
9.2 Integrated National ICT development strategy
At the national level, one major constraint preventing accelerated growth may be attributed to the lack of an integrated national ICT development strategy. As a result, each organization implementing computerization is required to find its own solutions. For example, almost every organization, government or private, needs to computerize its payroll, stock management, management information system. Likewise, they need software to use script in computers. Those organizations with dispersed offices also need to use ICT for information exchange between their offices. In these endeavors, there is virtually no exchange of experience resulting in unnecessary duplication of efforts and waste of resource for solution of that the President issued Presidential decrata on National ICT equipment and other related components should be approved by the Mandated Ministry of MICT and that could give solution to lack of waste of resources. Lack of policies exists relating to ICT which has evidently proved non conducive for development of ICT in our Somaliland. As a result, our Country is not getting the benefits and opportunities that these technologies can offer. Therefore, the government should immediate Intervene and major changes with regard to ICT and produced ICT Policy.
9.3 Postal service in Somaliland
Somaliland has launched and reopened postal services in 2018 and started with nearly major state Ministries as its first Launch with only two Mini Buses and around 15 staffs. On March 2019 the MICT made First efforts to launch the International postal services, that will be channeled through the Djibouti Postal Agency (la Posta De Djibouti) an agreement been signed Between the Two ministries of Telecommunication and technology of Djibouti and Somaliland in March 2019. The first 4 Delivery been Dispatched by MICT Postal Department received from Djibouti Airline from LA Posta Djibouti also Djibouti post agreed to represent Republic of Somaliland all the regional and international conference which Somaliland cannot attend due to lack of recognition or presentation challenge. The Postal Services department launching in the first time the P.o Boxes Services for the state Agencies as well for business companies as the second phase of postal operation ,while in the third phase it will start both regional delivery ad p.o box distributions
10 Challenges Facing Somaliland
Postal Sector.
The Challenges facing the postal serves in Somaliland including but not limited to
1. Street addressing not implemented.
2. Low skilled staff or experience professionals in the postal system after collapse of Bare Regime in 1991.
3. Low orientation programs to the public on issue related to postal services.
4. Private sector which is nowadays overtaken the delivery service which traditionally the National postal used to be the sole provider, new companies like Delivery Taxes, and regional Public bus transportation are now taken much activates of the postal services.
5. Not sufficient funds