SomaliREN is a non-profit, non-governmental membership-based organization founded and owned by its member institutions. As a national research and education network (NREN), it is mandated to build and deploy e-infrastructures for research and education and is registered as such with the relevant agencies and governing bodies.

SomaliREN builds, operates, and maintains e-infrastructures and deploys services that address the needs of the Somali higher education and research institutions, supports the formation of communities of practice, and promotes and builds research capabilities at the member institutions.The NREN is a fast-growing, lean organization that is driven by innovation and continuous service improvements.

SomaliREN is a member of UbuntuNet Alliance, the regional Research and Education Network for eastern and southern Africa, as well as the Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN). The work of SomaliREN aims to enhance the quality of research and education in Somali higher education institutions. Its three dimensions inform the mission of the NREN:Connectivity, Community, and Content. These three areas define the essence of what SomaliREN hopes to accomplish. We provide affordable, high-speed connectivity for the research and education communities at our member institutions to empower them to access and publish research and educational content and other value-added services.