Somalia Non-State Actors (SONSA)
Terms of Reference (ToR): Comprehensive Analysis of Government Policies and Private Sector Practices on Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Digital Rights in Somalia
1. Background and Purpose
Somalia is experiencing a rapid digital transformation with increasing adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies across sectors. While AI offers significant opportunities to enhance governance, service delivery, and economic growth, it also presents notable challenges for digital rights protection, including privacy, access to information, and equitable participation in digital spaces.
Somali Non-State Actors (SONSA), a multi-sectoral and non-partisan platform in Somalia, is implementing the ReCIPE project, which focuses on enhancing digital rights, civic engagement, and public participation in digital governance, with the support of Oxfam and co-funded by the European Union (EU). As part of the ReCIPE project, this research aims to provide a focused analysis of government policies and private sector practices related to AI governance and their impact on digital rights in Somalia. The study will explore how AI shapes regulatory frameworks, data protection, and the operational environment for civil society. A gender-sensitive and intersectional lens will be applied to understand the differentiated effects of AI technologies, informing targeted advocacy and capacity-building efforts for Somali civil society actors engaged in digital rights.
2. Objectives
1. Map and analyze existing Somali government policies and regulatory frameworks concerning AI and its intersection with digital rights and data protection.
2. Assess private sector practices related to AI deployment, including algorithmic decision-making, data management, and content moderation affecting digital rights.
3. Identify core AI-related digital rights challenges and opportunities impacting civil society, human rights defenders, and marginalized populations in Somalia.
4. Examine the gendered and intersectional impacts of AI governance and digital policies.
5. Develop evidence-based recommendations for enhancing AI governance frameworks and advocacy strategies to safeguard human-centric digital rights.
3. Scope
• Review of policy documents, laws, and regulations on AI governance, data protection, and digital rights in Somalia.
• Analysis of private sector AI practices within telecommunications, online platforms, and technology companies operating in Somalia.
• Intersectional analysis focusing on impacts across gender, age, disability, and socioeconomic status.
• Stakeholder engagement with Somali government agencies, private sector, civil society organizations, and international actors involved in AI and digital rights governance.
4. Research Questions
1. What are the current government policies and regulatory measures governing AI technologies in Somalia, especially relating to digital rights and data privacy?
2. How do private sector AI practices impact freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information?
3. What AI-related digital rights risks and challenges face Somali civil society, and how do these affect different demographic groups?
4. How does Somalia’s AI governance engage with regional and global frameworks and initiatives?
5. What roles can civil society play in shaping accountable, transparent, and ethical AI governance in Somalia?
5. Methodology
Qualitative Methods:
• Semi-structured interviews with government officials, private sector representatives, and civil society leaders.
• Focus group discussions ensuring gender balance and inclusion of marginalized groups.
• Document review of policies, regulations, corporate transparency reports, and international frameworks.
• Participatory stakeholder workshops to validate findings and support advocacy.
Quantitative Methods:
• Statistical analysis of available data on digital access, AI deployment, and rights violations.
6. Expected Deliverables
• Comprehensive research (7,000–10,000 words) analyzing AI governance and digital rights issues in Somalia.
• Policy brief (approx. 1,500 words) outlining priority advocacy recommendations.
• Executive summary (1-2 pages) highlighting key findings and recommendations.
• Presentation slides for validation and stakeholder dissemination workshops.
8. Researcher Qualifications
• Specialized Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institutions and Academics and AI Think Tanks only are encouraged to apply.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in AI research, AI governance and digital rights or technology governance.
• Experience working in Somali or comparable East African digital governance contexts preferred; prior experience in publication, AI, or related digital rights research is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in English and Somali languages preferred and Strong capacity for ethical research practice and participatory engagement.
9. Ethics and Risk Mitigation
• Ensure informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity of research participants given the sensitivity of AI governance and digital rights issues.
• Adhere to digital security protocols for data handling and storage.
• Mitigate political, digital surveillance, and security risks to vulnerable populations and civil society actors throughout the research process.
• Local context knowledge will guide ongoing risk assessment and ethical decision-making.
10. Reporting and Supervision
The consultant/firm will report to the SONSA executive director and work closely with a designated Project Steering Committee or Technical Working Group.
11. Budget and Payment Terms
Payment terms, 20% will be paid initial contract, 20% inception report period and 60% upon completion of deliverables IA research
.How to apply
12. Deadline for submission: 21th November2025, and Submission email/contact: info@sonsaplatform.org.
