tl;dr
Somalia advances its Digital Transformation Strategy (2025–2030) through public consultations, while South Africa revolutionizes digital asset payments with a partnership enabling crypto transactions at 650,000 stores. Both nations highlight the intersection of tech, governance, and finance.
**Somalia's Digital Transformation Ambitions Gain Momentum as Public Consultation Kicks Off**
Somalia has taken a significant step toward modernizing its economy and governance by launching a public consultation to refine its Digital Transformation Strategy (2025–2030). The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications and Technology (MoCT) in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aims to create an inclusive digital policy framework that prioritizes e-governance, digital skills development, and technological innovation.
The National Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Workshop, held on October 12–13, brought together representatives from telecom operators, academia, government institutions, and international partners. The event sought to validate the strategy’s objectives, including the promotion of artificial intelligence (AI), distributed ledger technology (DLT), and the Internet of Things (IoT) among citizens. Attendees also debated critical aspects such as financing models and alignment with the African Union’s broader digital transformation goals.
**A Collaborative Approach to Digital Governance**
Mustafa Almahdi, Program Officer at the ITU Arab Regional Office, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in shaping the strategy. Communications and Technology Minister Mohamed Adan Moallim Ali highlighted the consultation’s role in enhancing accountability and legitimacy for policymakers. “This strategy will guide Somalia’s journey toward a knowledge-based economy—empowering citizens, promoting innovation, and strengthening governance through technology,” he stated.
Somalia’s efforts align with recent digital initiatives, including the introduction of digital ID systems to improve access to public services and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to accelerate digital transformation. The country also launched a national instant payment scheme to reduce reliance on cash transactions and boost financial inclusivity.
**South Africa’s Digital Asset Payment Revolution**
Meanwhile, South Africa is witnessing a transformative shift in its financial landscape. A new partnership between Scan to Pay and MoneyBadger is set to revolutionize digital asset payments, enabling users to spend cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and stablecoins at over 650,000 retail stores.
The collaboration allows customers to make direct payments using their digital currency holdings without converting them to local fiat currency. By integrating with MoneyBadger’s platform, the service connects users’ BTC Lightning accounts and digital asset exchanges to facilitate instant transactions. Merchants receive funds in South African rands via Scan to Pay’s infrastructure, streamlining the process.
**From Investment to Everyday Use**
This development marks a pivotal shift in how South Africans interact with digital assets. Previously, users had to convert cryptocurrencies to fiat before spending, but the new system eliminates this barrier. Theo Koma, product owner at Scan to Pay, noted, “This collaboration represents a significant step toward financial inclusion by making cryptocurrency transactions as seamless as credit card payments.”
Carel van Wyk, CEO of MoneyBadger, observed a growing trend of South Africans using digital assets for daily transactions rather than holding them as investments. “This move expands the number of places where South Africans can pay with Bitcoin significantly,” he said.
**Navigating Regulatory Challenges**
As digital asset adoption surges, South African regulators are working to establish a robust framework. Industry players are advocating for digital assets to be classified as onshore assets, while authorities have confirmed they are not subject to forex controls. However, experts caution against overexposure to volatile markets, urging caution amid risks like market fluctuations and unforeseen events.
**A Dual Path Toward Digital Progress**
While Somalia focuses on building a foundational digital economy through public consultation and policy reform, South Africa is pioneering innovative payment solutions that bridge traditional finance and digital assets. Both nations exemplify the dynamic interplay between technology, governance, and economic growth in the digital age.
As these initiatives unfold, they underscore the global momentum toward leveraging technology to foster inclusion, efficiency, and resilience in evolving economies.