Mogadishu University, in collaboration with the Turkish Embassy in Somalia, has launched Hack4Somalia, a national tech innovation competition aimed at empowering Somali youth and fostering technological solutions to local challenges on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
This initiative underscores the growing role of youth-led innovation in Somalia’s development and highlights Türkiye’s ongoing commitment to supporting capacity building and education in the country.
Hack4Somalia is designed as a platform for Somali university students, developers, and entrepreneurs to collaborate and build tech based solutions that address most pressing socio-economic issues facing Somalia today including:
1. Clean Water & Sanitation – Innovative solutions for accessible, safe drinking water.
2. Climate Resilience – Building adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change.
3. Sustainable Agriculture – Advancing agricultural practices for enhanced food security.
4. Digital Education – Expanding educational opportunities through digital platforms.
5. Clean & Renewable Energy – Promoting sustainable energy solutions for the future.
6. Mobile Tools for Public Services – Using mobile technology to improve the delivery of public services.
Participants will receive mentorship, access to technical resources, and the opportunity to showcase their solutions to investors and policymakers.
On his remarks at the opening ceremony, Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed Mursal, President of Mogadishu University, emphasized the importance of cultivating a tech-driven generation and that Somalia’s future lies in the creativity and skills of its youth. Hack4Somalia will give young minds the space to create practical solutions for real problems, He added.
The Turkish Ambassador to Somalia his Excellency Ozan Can Gumus described the initiative as part of the broader Türkiye-Somalia cooperation in education, innovation, and development. “This competition is more than just a contest — it’s a step toward digital empowerment and self-reliance,” his statement read.
Hack4 Somalia will run in phases, starting with idea submission and training workshops, followed by a hackathon where teams will develop working prototypes before the finalists present their solutions at a Demo Day, with the winning projects receiving funding, incubation support, and technical assistance.
This initiative adds to the growing ecosystem of youth-focused programs in Somalia, aimed at transforming the country’s tech landscape and opening new economic pathways for a generation eager to contribute to national development
