Hi DEV Community!
When people think of global tech hubs, they often look toward Silicon Valley, Berlin, or Bangalore. But today, I want to talk about an underdog that is quietly undergoing a digital revolution: Somalia.
If you are a developer, investor, or tech enthusiast looking for a high-impact project, here is why Somalia should be on your radar.
1. A Mobile-First Economy
Somalia has one of the most advanced mobile money ecosystems in the world. Services like EVC Plus and Sahal have made the country virtually cashless.
- The Opportunity: There is a massive gap for FinTech integrations, automated payment gateways for SMEs, and e-commerce platforms that leverage this existing infrastructure.
*2. A Young, Tech-Savvy Population *
With over 70% of the population under the age of 30, there is a hungry generation of self-taught developers and digital natives.
- The Opportunity: Establishing EdTech platforms or remote dev shops. The talent is there; they just need the platforms to connect with the global market.
3. The "Blank Canvas" Advantage
Unlike saturated markets where you are competing with thousands of apps, Somalia offers a "Greenfield" opportunity. Many essential digital services—from logistics tracking to health-tech records—are still in their infancy.
- The Project Idea: Build localized SaaS solutions for hospitals, schools, or the booming construction industry.
4. High-Speed Connectivity
Surprisingly to many, Somalia boasts some of the fastest and most affordable internet in East Africa, supported by multiple undersea fiber-optic cables. This makes remote collaboration and cloud-based projects entirely feasible.
Challenges vs. Rewards
Of course, it’s not without challenges (infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, etc.). However, the ROI (Return on Impact) in Somalia is higher than almost anywhere else. You aren't just building another "photo-sharing app"—you are building tools that define how a nation functions in the 21st century.
The best way to predict the future is to create it." — There is no better place to create the future right now than in a rebuilding nation like Somalia.
Are you working on a project in an emerging market? Or are you curious about the tech stack being used in Mogadishu or Hargeisa? Let's discuss in the comments! 👇
Top comments (1)
That's great bro