Somalia to hold first ever technology fair amid bomb threats

Somalis are braving the storm to host social events despite threats by Islamist militant group Al- Shabaab which is perpetrating brutal bombing of civilians and security officials on a daily basis.

A week after some 500 youth participated in the country’s first mini-marathon in 20 years amid tight security, the Puntland Technology Development Agency is organising the first ever Somali Technology Fair on Friday.

The fair is intended to showcase Somalia’s technology and innovation, and provide funds, networking and mentoring opportunities for tech startups in the country, the organisers stated.

Over 500 people including government officials and entrepreneurs will grace the event which will be held in Puntland State University in Garowe on April 15 and 16.

Somali have showed interest in technology over the years with the increased access to smartphones and the internet. Last year, a group of young men launched the country’s first community-based tech innovation hub in the capital Mogadishu.

The iRise Hub offers Somali entrepreneurs, innovators, developers, investors, techies and startups the working space to share ideas, connect and collaborate with each other.

As the fight against Al-Shabaab continues, Somalia is touted to be a rising digital and tech entrepreneurship hub in the coming years.