Somaliland Youth Tech Innovation Competition 2025
Embedded within the Somaliland Tech Expo 2025

Release Date: 9 September 2025

MoICT and UNDP Launch Youth Technology Innovation Competition

Hargeisa, Somaliland — The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MoICT), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is proud to announce the launch of the Somaliland Youth Tech Innovation Competition 2025, a flagship program embedded within the Somaliland Tech Expo 2025.

The competition invites university ICT students and recent graduates (2024–2025) across Somaliland to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial potential by developing original, software-based solutions that address pressing challenges in society.

By embedding this initiative in the Tech Expo, the Ministry and UNDP aim to maximize visibility, attract investment, and position Somaliland as a regional hub for digital innovation.

Key Details

• Who Can Apply: ICT students or recent graduates (2024–2025), aged 18–35 years, and Somaliland nationals.
• Must Conditions: University students should create a group of 2-4 to apply for the project. No individuals are allowed.
• Selection Criteria: - Innovation & Originality, Feasibility & Scalability, Business Viability, Impact, Technical Quality. Only software based solutions will be accepted.
• Focus Areas: Health, Education, Agriculture (including Livestock), Governance, Social Solutions, and Business Innovations.
• Prizes: A total of $15,000 will be awarded:
• 🥇 1st Place: $8,500
• 🥈 2nd Place: $6,500

• • Submission Deadline: 28 September 2025 via www.somalilandtechexpo.com. You could also download the Application Form Here
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  • Final Pitch & Award Ceremony: 8–11 October 2025, during the Somaliland Tech Expo.
  • Post-Competition Support: Winning and promising teams will receive 6 months of incubation, mentorship, and business advisory to develop their projects into viable startups.

  Role of Universities

  Universities across Somaliland are called upon to:

  • Mobilize and support ICT students and graduates to participate and attend the booth camps.
  • Facilitate awareness sessions to identify and nominate project teams.
  • Endorse and submit one official project through the online portal.

  Media Coverage

  The competition will be covered by national media outlets, with live TV and online streaming of the final pitch sessions, ensuring maximum visibility for participants and their innovations.

  Call to Action

  Universities and young innovators are encouraged to act fast, form teams, and submit their proposals by the 28 September 2025 deadline 5PM.

  For full details and to download the competition program, please visit:
  🌐 www.somalilandtechexpo.com

  Download the Application Form, complete the required responses and email to [email protected] or fill in the online application form.