What is SomNOG?

The Somali Network Operators Group (SomNOG) is a community-driven, volunteer-based technical organization established in 2015. SomNOG provides an open, neutral platform for Somali ICT professionals, network engineers, systems administrators, cybersecurity practitioners, software developers, academics, policymakers, and Internet service providers, to develop technical capacities, share operational knowledge, and collaborate on strengthening Somalia’s Internet and digital ecosystem. SomNOG is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers who are committed to building local technical expertise, advancing operational best practices, and contributing to a stronger Internet ecosystem in Somalia. Participation in SomNOG’s activities is open to anyone interested in sharing their experiences and technical knowledge or learning from others. Over eleven years, SomNOG has trained hundreds of ICT professionals, convened nine annual events, and built a community that connects Somalia’s technical community with regional and global networks.

SomNOG’s motto is: “Towards a better Internet, through effective collaboration.”

 

Vision

A stronger Somali Internet ecosystem, built on a skilled, collaborative, and well-connected local technical community that operates, develops, and continuously improves the country’s Internet infrastructure and services.

 

Mission

To build Somalia’s technical capacity, advance operational best practices, and engage with the policies that shape the Internet – empowering local professionals to develop, operate, and strengthen the country’s Internet infrastructure and services.

 

Objectives

  1. Provide a trusted, open platform for ICT professionals, operators, developers, academics, policymakers, and students to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge related to Internet and network technologies.
  2. Build local technical expertise and competency through hands-on training, the annual SomNOG Workshops and Conference, and the year-round SomNOG Capacity Building Series.
  3. Promote operational best practices in network management, systems administration, cybersecurity, software development, and digital infrastructure across Somalia’s ICT sector.
  4. Advance awareness of the importance of locally rooted Internet infrastructure – including local traffic exchange, local hosting infrastructure, and data sovereignty – for a more affordable, performant, and resilient Internet in Somalia.
  5. Encourage research on Internet technology utilization in Somalia and support the sharing of technical knowledge and findings within the community.
  6. Foster dialogue between the technical community, government institutions, operators, academia, and international partners on Internet infrastructure, operations, and governance in Somalia.

 

Principles and Values

SomNOG is guided by the following principles, which do not change with circumstances:

  • Volunteerism: SomNOG is built and sustained by volunteers who contribute their time, expertise, and energy in service of the community.
  • Non-partisanship: SomNOG operates as a neutral, inclusive platform that serves all members of Somalia’s technical community regardless of organizational affiliation, sector, or background.
  • Transparency: SomNOG is committed to open governance, transparent financial reporting, and honest communication with its community, sponsors, and partners.
  • Openness: Participation in SomNOG’s activities is open to anyone with an interest in Internet and network technologies and a commitment to knowledge sharing and collaboration.
  • Integrity: SomNOG holds itself to the highest standards of professional and institutional conduct in all its activities and relationships.
  • Technical Excellence: SomNOG is committed to delivering practical, relevant, and high-quality capacity building that reflects the current state of the art and the real needs of Somalia’s ICT sector.

 

Governance Structure

SomNOG is governed by:

  1. Steering Committee: the executive body responsible for operational planning, program delivery, financial oversight, community coordination, and the organization of the annual event and Capacity Building Series. The Steering Committee operates through working subcommittees covering sponsorship and fundraising, workshops and training, media and communications, and catering and hospitality.
  2. Ad hoc Committees: formed as needed to support specific activities, events, or initiatives within the SomNOG community.