KIGALI, Rwanda — A senior Somali government adviser, Mohamed Mukhtar Ali, is taking part in the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 in Rwanda’s capital Kigali, where African governments, businesses and development partners are discussing ways to strengthen food systems and resilience.
Ali is part of a Somali delegation bringing together representatives of the government, civil society and the private sector to participate in discussions and meetings focused on food security, resilient communities and solutions to challenges affecting food systems across the continent.
During the forum, Ali participated in a panel discussion titled “The Critical Role of Data and Digital Information Services,” highlighting the importance of accurate and timely data and digital information services in supporting government decision-making and disaster management.
He said Somalia’s National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) was working to develop systems that would ensure the Somali government has full ownership and control over data related to disaster management.
Ali said the agency was working closely with government institutions and international partners involved in data management, disaster response and the development of digital systems.
The Somali delegation’s participation comes as the country seeks to strengthen its capacity to respond to food insecurity, natural disasters and other challenges affecting vulnerable communities.
Access to reliable data has become increasingly important for governments and humanitarian organisations seeking to identify vulnerable populations, anticipate crises and coordinate emergency responses.
The Africa Food Systems Forum, one of the continent’s major gatherings on food and agriculture, brings together African governments, international organisations, civil society groups, businesses and development partners.
Discussions at the 2026 forum are focused on sustainable food systems, resilience and practical solutions to challenges affecting food security and livelihoods across Africa.
For Somalia, officials say stronger data systems and digital information services can play a key role in improving disaster preparedness and ensuring that government interventions are based on timely and reliable information.
