Somali Digital Media Academy (SODMA) joins the European Media & Learning Association

The Somali Digital Media Academy (SODMA) has officially joined the Media & Learning Association (MLA), becoming the first Somali and the first African organization to be part of this European network dedicated to advancing media education and digital literacy across the continent and beyond.

This milestone marks a significant step that highlights the leadership of Somali youth in digital media, innovation, and media literacy — at a time when the world faces growing challenges from misinformation and rapidly evolving technologies.

The Media & Learning Association currently brings together 108 institutions, universities, and media organizations from 31 countries, most of them based in Europe. This provides SODMA with a unique opportunity to build academic and professional partnerships that strengthen the skills of Somalia’s media generation and connect them with international centers of expertise.

In a special statement, Abdulrahman Yusuf Hassan (Bukhari), General Director of the Somali Digital Media Academy, said:

“Our membership in this association is a major achievement for the entire SODMA team — trainers, administrators, and creative youth — who have worked with dedication throughout the years. This milestone crowns continuous efforts since 2017, during which the academy has trained hundreds of young Somali journalists and media practitioners in journalism, media production, and digital communication, while promoting professional ethics and responsible media practice.”

Bukhari added:

“This step opens new horizons for Somali youth to exchange knowledge, participate in international projects, and gain experience from leading institutions in media and education. We firmly believe that investing in media literacy is an investment in Somalia’s future.”

He concluded by affirming that SODMA will continue its training programmes and expand academic partnerships both locally and internationally to build a new generation of professional Somali media practitioners capable of producing responsible and impactful content on local and global levels.