Mogadishu hosted the Mogadishu Environmental Summit 2025 in December 2025, bringing together senior government officials, academics, development partners, private sector representatives, and community leaders to discuss how Somalia can build cleaner, safer, and more sustainable cities. The summit came at a critical time, as Somali cities continue to grow rapidly while facing increasing environmental and climate-related challenges.
Held under the theme “Smart & Green Cities – Technology, Innovation, and Digitalization for Urban Futures,” the summit focused on how modern technologies can support environmental protection, improve urban services, and strengthen the resilience of Somali cities. Participants explored the role of digital tools, data-driven decision-making, and innovation in addressing issues such as waste management, traffic congestion, environmental monitoring, disaster preparedness, and urban planning.
The discussions reflected a shared understanding that Somalia’s urban future depends not only on physical infrastructure, but also on smart systems, informed governance, and community-centered solutions. Throughout the summit, speakers emphasized the importance of aligning technology with local realities and ensuring that innovation directly benefits communities.
SIMAD AI Institute’s Role in the Summit
SIMAD AI Institute made a meaningful contribution to the summit, with its Director, Dr. Yahye Abukar Ahmed, participating as a panelist. He shared insights on how artificial intelligence and digital innovation can be applied practically to support sustainable urban development in Somalia. His contributions highlighted several key areas, including:
- AI-powered early warning systems for disaster risk reduction
- Data analytics to support evidence-based city planning
- Smart technologies for improving waste management and traffic flow
- Digital platforms to strengthen governance and public service delivery
- IoT and analytics for continuous environmental monitoring
Dr. Yahye emphasized that technology must be applied responsibly, ethically, and locally, noting that solutions should be designed with Somalia’s social, economic, and infrastructural context in mind. He highlighted the importance of building local capacity so that Somali institutions and professionals can lead and sustain these innovations.The summit was also attended by the Rector of SIMAD University, Dr. Abdikarim Muhidin, reinforcing SIMAD University’s institutional commitment to national development, sustainability, and innovation-driven dialogue.
Looking Ahead
The Mogadishu Environmental Summit 2025 demonstrated a growing national readiness to embrace technology and innovation as part of Somalia’s environmental and urban development strategy. It highlighted the value of collaboration between government, academia, and development partners in shaping policies and solutions that support long-term resilience.
As Somalia continues to navigate rapid urbanization and environmental pressures, events such as this summit play a vital role in shaping a shared vision for the future — one where technology supports sustainability, strengthens institutions, and improves the quality of life for communities across the country.
© SIMAD AI INSTITUTE
SIMAD, TOWN COMPUS, MOGADISHO, SOMALIA