The Submarine Cable Regulations were formally approved by the Federal Government of Somalia’s Cabinet on Thursday, creating a significant turning point in the nation’s digital transformation process.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) created these rules to apply to all licensees running submarine cables and landing stations inside the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Submarine Cable Regulations’ main goals
The Submarine Cable Regulations’ main goals are to increase Somalia’s international bandwidth capacity, create equitable and open terms for international bandwidth access, and promote a vibrant and competitive connectivity market.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the Minister for Communications and Technology, H.E. Mohamed Adam, for presenting this regulation to the Cabinet and championing its adoption,” said Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, Director General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Somalia. He added, “We also would like to thank the IFC for their technical support during the preparation and consultation phases of this vital regulation.”
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The approval of these regulations demonstrates the government’s commitment to facilitating fair and open access to global connectivity and guaranteeing strong infrastructure to support Somalia’s expanding digital economy.
Participation of Somalia in 30th EACO Annual Assembly in Juba, South Sudan
In other news, Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA) attended the 30th Annual Assemblies of the East African Communications Organization (EACO) and its First Advisory Council, which were held in Juba, South Sudan.
The National Communications Authority of South Sudan hosted the event, which officially started on June 9, 2025, and ended on June 13, 2025.
Representatives from the five assemblies of EACO, which include internet service providers, postal operators, telecommunications operators, and regulators throughout East Africa, attended the event.
Somalia’s East African Community membership marks significant milestone
Since Somalia recently joined the East African Community (EAC), this year’s assembly represents a significant milestone for the country.
NCA Somalia’s participation demonstrates the nation’s dedication to aligning its communications policies and regulations with regional frameworks to foster integration and expedite ICT development.
“Such events are important for NCA Somalia as we understand that communication is no longer confined within national boundaries — it now cuts across borders through roaming services, shared digital platforms, and transnational cybersecurity threats,” said Mr Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, Director General of NCA Somalia.
About Somalia’s National Communications Authority
The National Communications Authority (NCA) governs Somalia’s communications industry. The Communications Act of 2017 created the NCA, which regulates the communications industry, including broadcasting, telecommunications, the Internet, information and communications technology, and e-commerce services.
The NCA is in charge of promoting the growth of the ICT industry, enabling and guaranteeing sustainable and fair competition and carrier interconnection, ensuring transparency in the application of the Communication Law, safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers, and upholding its independence as a regulator.
Through consultation, authorised documents, licensed operators, regulations, and annual reports, NCA seeks to create an environment that supports technological advancement in the Federal Republic of Somalia’s ICT and telecommunications sectors.
The Federal Republic of Somalia’s ICT and telecommunications industries are subject to NCA’s regulation, and the organisation offers numerous services to these industries, such as
Spectrum: In Somalia, spectrum planning and management are under the National Communication Authority (NCA) purview.
Type Approval: The NCA certifies radio and telecommunications terminal equipment for use in Somalia through type approval.
Licensing: The NCA has the authority to grant licenses for delivering and managing communications services within the Somali Federal Republic.
Complaints: The NCA has the authority to grant licenses for delivering and managing communications services within the Somali Federal Republic.
Initiatives: The management of the Somalia country code (ccTLD) domain name space (.SO) to support the .so national resource (ccTLD).
Numbering: The National Communication Authority (NCA) is in charge of organising and overseeing Somalia’s numbering system.
Interconnection: The creation of interconnection is one key component for encouraging competition and the effective operation of the telecom market.