By Zakaria Hassan - Reporter
Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – Somali content creators say lack of equipment, funding and training are holding back the country’s growing digital economy, participants at a Mogadishu conference said Sunday.
Aisha Mohamed, a young content creator, said her computer broke down and she had no camera to continue her work. Instead of stopping, she bought a DJI Osmo Pocket and now films and edits videos directly on her phone.
“You can feel it when you are a young person and no one is investing in you,” Mohamed said. “My computer broke down and I did not have a camera. I bought a DJI Osmo Pocket and connect it to my phone. That is how I create my content now.”
Her experience reflects challenges faced by many Somali youth, who lack equipment and job opportunities but continue to build skills in digital media.
The challenges were the focus of the Somali Content Creators & Digital Economy Conference, or SOCCDEC, held in Mogadishu. The event brought together creators, government officials, banks and private companies to discuss how content creation can generate jobs, income and social impact.
Fowzi Jamal Barow, one of the organizers, said the conference aimed to address funding and training gaps.
“We brought together private companies and banks so they could respond to these challenges and provide young people with funding and continuous training,” Barow said.
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Speakers said content creation can become a viable profession for Somali youth with the right support.
“They can create jobs, earn income and deliver messages to different parts of society,” said Yusuf Ahmed, a conference speaker. “A content creator can benefit professionally and commercially, and use that income to serve society.”
Participants also discussed difficulties earning money from social media platforms, as Somalia is not yet included in monetization programs for some major platforms.
IBS Bank said it is working to help creators withdraw online earnings in Somalia. The bank said it has tested a system and facilitated the withdrawal of nearly $20,000 over the past year.
Photographer Aisha Hasan, who works at the office of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, attended to encourage more girls to join the field.
“I wanted to tell them this profession is not difficult or only for men. Every girl can do it,” Hassan said. “Everything becomes easier when you try.”
Organizers said the SOCCDEC conference showed that with funding, training and equipment, content creation can become a source of jobs and income for Somali youth while also amplifying important messages.