Somalia Launches National AI Centre to Advance Research and Skills Development

Somalia has established the Somali National Artificial Intelligence Centre (SNAIC) at the Somali National University (SNU) in Mogadishu, creating a national hub to support artificial intelligence research, innovation, training and skills development.

The centre was officially launched during a ceremony attended by government officials, university leaders, researchers and technology sector representatives. Previously operating under the Ministry of Communications and Technology, SNAIC has now been incorporated into Somalia’s leading public university to strengthen collaboration between academic research, innovation and national development priorities.

Focus on practical applications

SNAIC will focus its work on machine learning, Somali-language natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, AI ethics and data science. The centre is expected to support research while helping to develop the technical skills needed to grow Somalia’s emerging AI ecosystem.

Research programmes will target practical applications in agriculture, healthcare, education, governance, livestock and the blue economy, sectors that play a significant role in the country’s economy and public services.

Building Somalia’s AI ecosystem

The launch comes as Somalia works to build the institutional foundations needed to support artificial intelligence adoption. While the country has yet to introduce dedicated AI legislation or formally adopt a national AI strategy, the new centre provides a focal point for AI research, collaboration and capacity building.

According to the Government AI Readiness Index Africa (GIRAI) 2026 report, only 15 of Africa’s 54 countries have adopted a national AI strategy. Although Somalia is not yet among them, the establishment of SNAIC represents an important step towards developing the country’s AI capabilities and preparing for future policy development.

The new centre also reflects a broader continental effort to expand AI research capacity through universities and public institutions as African countries invest in the skills, infrastructure and governance needed to support the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence.