AGP Executive Report

AI for Public Services: Somalia opened the Second AI Summit Somalia 2026 in Mogadishu, bringing government, universities and innovators together to push AI governance, education use, and digital transformation. Digital Infrastructure: The Somali National Communications Authority teamed with the National IPv6 Centre for an IPv6 workshop in Mogadishu to modernize the country’s internet backbone. Maritime Security: Reports say ships in the Gulf of Aden area are facing more brazen pirate attacks, including a skiff attempting to board a container vessel and a tanker approached southeast of Aden. Federal Tensions: Puntland accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of “openly creating pirates” and undermining Somalia’s federal system, escalating political conflict between Mogadishu and member states. Somaliland-Israel Tech & Investment: Somaliland’s president met Israeli leaders in Jerusalem and signed a Strategic Declaration on Cooperation covering economy, security, technology, investment and social development, including plans to open a Somaliland embassy. Humanitarian Tech in Health: Hormuud Salaam Foundation wrapped up a pediatric surgery campaign for Somali children, highlighting practical health-tech impact through funded care.

AI & Digital Governance: Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA) opened the Second AI Summit Somalia 2026 in Mogadishu, bringing government, universities and tech experts together to push AI use in public services, education, research and digital transformation. Connectivity Infrastructure: Kenya’s EU-backed push for faster regional internet got a boost via the Blue-Raman subsea cable extension, linking Djibouti with Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania as part of a wider €139m digital package. Digital Standards: The NCA also partnered with the National IPv6 Centre to run an IPv6 workshop in Mogadishu, aiming to modernize Somalia’s digital infrastructure. Visa & Mobility for Tech/Experts: A midwifery conference in Portugal saw multiple African and Asian experts denied visas at the last minute, raising concerns for knowledge-sharing that can save lives. Regional Diplomacy: Somaliland’s leadership continued expanding international ties, including a landmark state visit to Israel and a new representative office opening in Taipei.

AI & Education: Somalia’s National Communications Authority opened the Second AI Summit Somalia 2026 in Mogadishu, pushing AI for public services, innovation, digital transformation, and a knowledge-based economy, with talks on AI governance and regulation. Digital Connectivity: Kenya’s EU-backed push for regional internet capacity gained momentum in Brussels, including €102m for the EU–Kenya Digital Partnership and €37m to extend the Blue-Raman subsea cable linking Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania. Visa & Sports Tech/Policy: FIFA confirmed it will still pay the full World Cup fee to Somali referee Omar Artan after US border authorities denied him entry over alleged links to terrorism suspects. Regional Diplomacy: Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi arrived in Israel for a landmark state visit and embassy opening in Jerusalem, with cooperation discussed in areas including water technology and renewable energy. Tech Leadership: Google chief scientist Jeff Dean told UW graduates that AI can draft code, but human ethics and judgment still matter most.

World Cup Tech & Policy: FIFA says it will still pay full tournament fees to Somali referee Omar Artan after he was denied US entry following an 11-hour border interview, while FIFA cites a technology failure amid fresh controversy. Somaliland–Israel Diplomacy: Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdulahi landed in Israel for a landmark visit to open an embassy in Jerusalem, with plans for cooperation in security, trade, water technology, and renewables. Digital Infrastructure for Somalia: Kenya’s EU-backed push is set to extend the Blue-Raman subsea cable to Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania, aiming to boost capacity and resilience for the region’s internet routes. Health & Travel Barriers: Midwifery experts from Africa and Asia were denied visas for a major conference in Portugal, threatening progress on reducing pregnancy and childbirth deaths. Security & Regional Tech Links: Analysts warn of a growing convergence of extremist forces in the Horn, with destabilization risks tied to Ethiopia and Somalia’s security landscape. Mogadishu Connectivity: An IPv6 workshop was held in Mogadishu by NCA and the National IPv6 Center, pushing practical upgrades for local networks.

Digital Connectivity: Kenya secured EU-backed funding to extend the Blue-Raman subsea cable, linking Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania to a Europe–Middle East–India data corridor—aimed at boosting capacity, resilience and competition for internet providers. Public Health & Research Access: Midwifery experts across Africa and Asia were denied visas for a major conference in Portugal, risking delays to evidence-based guidance that targets preventable deaths of mothers and newborns. Somaliland Tech-Diplomacy: Somaliland opened a new representative office in Taipei’s Tianmu district, highlighting growing cooperation with Taiwan across education, healthcare, technology, energy and maritime affairs. Mogadishu Tech Capacity: NCA and the National IPv6 Center held an IPv6 workshop in Mogadishu, pushing for better national network readiness. Education Partnerships: Tanzania’s prime minister praised private-sector involvement in education, citing improved skills and human resource development.

Digital Connectivity for the Horn: Kenya secured EU-backed funding to extend the Blue-Raman subsea cable, linking Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania to a wider Europe–Middle East–India data route, aiming to boost capacity and resilience. AI for Everyday Search: Google expanded Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing more built-in AI help for users across Africa. Health Tech & Access: A major midwives conference in Portugal saw last-minute visa denials for key experts from Africa and Asia, risking delays to evidence-based guidance that targets high maternal and newborn deaths. Somalia Governance Spotlight: Veteran policy figure Abdulkareem Hassan Jama announced a presidential bid as Somalia debates constitutional reforms, federalism and the electoral future. Security & Regional Ties: Somaliland opened a new representative office in Taipei, highlighting cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, technology, energy and maritime affairs. World Cup Tech/Policy Fallout: A Somali referee denied US entry was later selected for a UEFA Super Cup, underscoring how border rules can disrupt sports careers.

Digital Connectivity: The EU is backing a €37m extension of the Blue-Raman subsea cable to link Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania to a wider Europe–Middle East–India data route, aiming to boost bandwidth, resilience and competition. AI for Africa: Google is rolling out Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, expanding built-in AI search and help across dozens of African markets including Somalia. Health & Research Access: A midwives summit in Portugal reportedly barred multiple African and Asian experts at the last minute, threatening progress on reducing maternal and newborn deaths. Maritime Security: The US warns of escalation after the Houthis threatened to block Red Sea shipping, saying it will keep working with partners for freedom of navigation. Somalia Tech/Science Community: NCA and the National IPv6 Center held an IPv6 workshop in Mogadishu, pushing better internet readiness. Sports Tech & Borders: Somalia’s top referee Omar Artan was denied US entry for the World Cup, later selected for the Uefa Super Cup.

Digital Infrastructure: Kenya secured EU-backed funding to boost connectivity and digital transformation, including €102m for the EU–Kenya Digital Partnership and €37m to extend the Blue Raman submarine cable—linking Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania to a wider international data corridor. Internet Skills in Somalia: Somalia’s National Communications Authority and the National IPv6 Center opened an IPv6 workshop in Mogadishu with universities, ISPs and ICT experts, pushing next-generation internet adoption for the country’s digital future. AI for Africa: Google expanded “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search and help to more African users—Somalia is listed among supported locales. Health Research: A new study highlights how proteins help the louse-borne relapsing fever pathogen evade immunity, pointing to better ways to tackle outbreaks seen across the Horn of Africa, including Somalia. World Cup Tech & Access: Somalia’s top referee Omar Artan was denied US entry for the 2026 World Cup, sparking renewed debate over visa vetting and access for African sports professionals.

Digital Infrastructure: Somalia’s National Communications Authority and the National IPv6 Center opened an IPv6 workshop in Mogadishu with universities and ICT firms, pushing next-generation internet adoption to support the country’s digital transformation. AI for Africa: Google expanded “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search and help to more African users. Education & Tech Talent: IIT Madras awarded MTech and other postgraduate degrees to 46 international students at its Zanzibar campus, including students from Somalia and across East Africa. Health Tech & Impact: Vyta and Evad donated refurbished laptops plus support to the Ifrah Foundation, which works in Ireland and Somalia to end female genital mutilation through advocacy and community programs. Regional Security & Mobility: UN and media reports highlight how U.S. immigration and border checks are disrupting World Cup travel, including Somalia’s referee Omar Artan being denied entry—sparking international backlash. Geopolitics & Conflict: An EEPA update reports flights suspended in Ethiopia’s Tigray amid tensions, while drone activity and strikes continue across Ethiopia and Sudan.

AI & Connectivity: Somalia’s National Communications Authority and the National IPv6 Center opened an IPv6 workshop in Mogadishu with Jamhuuriya University, pushing next-gen internet adoption to support the country’s digital transformation. AI Expansion in Africa: Google rolled out “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search and help to more African users. Education & STEM Talent: IIT Madras awarded MTech and other postgraduate degrees to 46 international students, including students from Somalia, as part of its global engagement push. Health Research: New findings describe how key proteins help the louse-borne relapsing fever pathogen evade immunity—highlighting ongoing Horn of Africa disease risk. Digital Economy & Trade: Singapore begins talks on a free trade agreement with the East African Community bloc, explicitly pointing to cooperation in the digital economy and emerging technologies, including Somalia. Tech for Social Impact: Vyta and Evad donated refurbished laptops and IT support to the Ifrah Foundation, supporting FGM survivor-led advocacy and operations in Somalia and Ireland. Sports Tech & Policy: Somalia’s top referee Omar Artan returned home after being denied US entry ahead of the World Cup, spotlighting how immigration vetting can disrupt international tech-enabled sports careers.

World Cup Tech & Mobility: Somali referee Omar Artan—Africa’s top male referee in 2025—was denied entry to the US ahead of World Cup 2026 after US Customs cited “vetting concerns,” later prompting FIFA to remove him from the roster; he returned to Mogadishu to a hero’s welcome, while the UN human rights chief urged a rethink of US immigration practices amid claims of profiling and surveillance. Digital Connectivity: The EU approved €37M to extend the Google-backed Blue-Raman subsea cable into East Africa, linking Djibouti to Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania to cut bandwidth costs and boost resilience. Climate & Migration Pressure: New reporting highlights how Trump’s entry restrictions hit climate-vulnerable countries hardest, with Somalia among those most exposed to climate impacts. Circular Tech for Health Advocacy: Vyta and Evad donated refurbished laptops plus 12 months of IT support to Somalia-linked Ifrah Foundation to help end FGM through better operations and reporting. Security & Policy: US strikes on Iran and wider regional fallout continue to disrupt global systems, including shipping near the Strait of Hormuz.

Subsea Connectivity Boost: The EU pledged €37M to extend the Google-backed Blue-Raman fibre cable into East Africa, linking Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia and Djibouti to a Europe–Middle East–India digital corridor. Digital Trade Push: East Africa’s digital customs reforms are speeding cross-border commerce with online declarations, digital certificates and smarter border systems—Somalia is part of the drive. Cybersecurity Leadership: GitLab appointed Chaim Mazal as Chief Information Security Officer, aiming to strengthen security for AI-driven threats and embed safety into engineering workflows. Health Tech for Somalia: Qatar Charity delivered 10 dialysis machines and beds to a Mogadishu hospital, targeting kidney-failure patients amid a major shortage of equipment. World Cup Tech & Travel Fallout: Somalia’s top referee Omar Artan was denied US entry over “vetting concerns,” and FIFA removed him from the tournament roster, reigniting debate over access and fairness. Regional Diplomacy: Somalia’s term at the UN Security Council ends in 2026 as Zimbabwe prepares to take a seat in 2027, shaping the continent’s agenda.

Subsea Connectivity Boost: The EU is backing a Google-linked Blue-Raman undersea cable extension with €37m to link Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania—aiming to cut internet costs and strengthen East Africa’s digital corridor. Digital Economy Funding: Kenya also secured €102m for the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership, targeting connectivity, digital innovation and services trade. Cybersecurity Leadership: GitLab named Chaim Mazal as Chief Information Security Officer, bringing AI-and-security operations experience to help defend DevSecOps workflows. Health Tech for Somalia: Qatar Charity delivered 10 dialysis machines and 10 equipped beds to Mogadishu’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Hospital, supporting kidney care amid equipment shortages. Somali STEM Spotlight (Sports Tech): FIFA dropped Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan after US border officials denied him entry over “vetting concerns,” highlighting how travel controls can disrupt global tech-and-sport careers. AI Warfare Warning: A new Global Peace Index report flags rising drone use and faster machine-led combat decisions outpacing governance.

Healthcare Tech in Somalia: Qatar Charity delivered 10 dialysis machines and 10 fully equipped medical beds to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Hospital in Mogadishu, aiming to cut suffering as kidney failure cases rise and dialysis equipment remains scarce. Digital Infrastructure for the Horn: Kenya secured about €102m (Sh15.37b) in EU-backed funding for the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership, plus €37m (Sh5.58b) to extend the Blue Raman submarine cable linking Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania—expected to improve connectivity and lower bandwidth costs. Space & Future Science: Türkiye’s aerospace push highlights a Somalia spaceport project under construction, framed as support for independent launch capability. STEM & Public Health Research: A new focus on gestational diabetes in Somalia calls out neglected risks for mothers and newborns, stressing the need for better screening and follow-up. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Turkish intelligence is mediating to defuse Somalia’s election crisis, with talks involving opposition figures and the federal government. World Cup Tech/Access: A Somali referee, Omar Artan, was denied entry to the US by border control ahead of World Cup duties.

Digital Infrastructure Boost (Kenya): Kenya is set to receive about KSh20.7bn in EU-backed funding for digital access, innovation, and jobs, including €102m (KSh15.3bn) under the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership and support for the Blue Raman submarine cable extension linking Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania. Maritime Tech & Trade (Somalia): Somalia’s New Mogadishu Maritime Port is being positioned to attract long-term investors, with rising container traffic and a new terminal in 2025 aimed at easing capacity limits and improving regional connectivity. Food Safety Systems (Somalia): World Food Safety Day spotlights how Somalia’s livestock exports depend on trusted standards, traceability, and certification—key to unlocking safer markets. Public Health (Somalia): A new focus on gestational diabetes warns that limited screening and care in Somalia raises risks for mothers and newborns. Governance & Elections (Somalia): Turkish intelligence is mediating to defuse Somalia’s election crisis, pushing for direct talks between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and opposition leaders. Security Watch (Somalia): Reports suggest Somali piracy may be resurging, with recent hijackings of vessels redirected toward Puntland.

Election Diplomacy: Turkish intelligence officials are in Mogadishu for fresh, closed-door talks with Somali opposition leaders to ease the election deadlock, with national election framework issues expected on the agenda. Food Security Shock: The Hormuz crisis is feeding into hunger far beyond the Middle East, with UN agencies warning that higher energy costs are pushing more people into acute food insecurity, including an additional 2.5 million in Somalia. Port & Trade Tech: Somalia’s New Mogadishu Maritime Port is being positioned for long-term investment, with rising container traffic and new terminal capacity driving demand for better logistics and connectivity. Food Safety Systems: World Food Safety Day highlights how Somalia’s livestock and animal products can win market access through trusted certification, traceability, and safer handling. Health Preparedness: Kenya’s Africa CDC and WHO Ebola plan underscores the region’s push for stronger surveillance, labs, and community engagement—relevant for cross-border outbreak readiness. Security & Tech Policy: Somalia’s constitutional changes and Turkey’s military footprint are shaping the political-tech landscape, including armored deployments and heightened tensions around governance. Maritime Risk: Reports of renewed Somali piracy, including hijacked vessels redirected toward Puntland, raise urgent questions for maritime security and safer shipping routes.