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Hormuud Telecom Somalia Inc. is a privately held telecommunications company based in Mogadishu, Somalia. It is the largest telecommunication company and largest private-sector employer in the country, and also Somalia's first private enterprise to be internationally ISO certified.[2]

Key Information

The company operates numerous services, including its mobile money transfer service.

The corporation is one of the only in Somalia to have a charitable arm, the Hormuud Salaam Foundation, which was launched in 2009. During the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, Hormuud made numerous donations to the Somali healthcare system.

Hormuud launched 5G in Somalia in 2024.[3]

History

[edit]

Hormuud was established in 2002 in Mogadishu, Somalia by a small group of shareholders, and originally consisted of 16 telecommunication sites.[4]

Ahmed Mohamed Yusuf, Hormuud Telecom's CEO joined Hormuud Telecom in 2002 with the intention to rebuild Somalia by connecting people with life-changing connectivity services. In the same year as its launch, Hormuud launched its fixed phone line service and GSM, a second-generation digital mobile network, which became widely used in Europe and other parts of the world.[4]

In 2011, the company conducted a mobile money transfer through EVC Plus, the first of its kind in Somalia. EVC Plus functions as a digital wallet, allowing users to purchase goods and services and transfer money. Automated payments and SMS reminders were also added as features. Financial reports on EVC Plus can also be viewed without an internet connection.[5] In December 2012, Hormuud launched its Tri-Band 3G service for mobile and internet clients. Also the first of its kind in the country, this 3G mobile telecommunications technology offers users a faster and more secure connection.[6]

In July 2014, Hormuud Telecom, along with NationLink and Somtel, signed an interconnection agreement. The cooperative deal established the Somali Telecommunication Company (STC), which allowed their mobile clients to communicate across all three networks.[7] Later that year, Hormuud trialed the first 4G services in Somalia. They began expanding their 4G network capacity in 2015 in partnership with the Somalian Ministry of Telecommunications.[8]

In 2009, Hormuud Telecom established the Hormuud Salaam Foundation, becoming the first corporate foundation in Somalia.[citation needed] In 2019, the company offered commission-free bulk cash transfers to NGOs responding to floods around Beledweyne, Baidoa, Jowhar, and the Gedo region of southern Somalia. This allowed the Somali Cash Consortium and other NGOs to provide direct donations to vulnerable Somalis in need.[9]

In 2020, the company became the first private corporation in Somalia to be ISO certified. This international standard accredited Hormuud's products and services as satisfying the needs of their customers through an effective quality management system and meeting all the relevant regulatory requirements.[4]

In 2021, Hormuud announced plans to guarantee nationwide 4G coverage by 2023 in Somalia. It calculated that 30% of its 3.6 million customers still rely on 2G networks, the majority of whom reside in rural areas. The expansion will provide rural communities access to fast internet services, which is essential for both nationwide and rural economic development. Access to 4G is a major goal of Hormuud, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).[10] In February 2021, the Central Bank of Somalia issued the first mobile money licence to Hormuud Telecom, assuring that its mobile money platform EVC Plus is now formally regulated and licensed by the Central Bank. The move formalised digital payments as a payment method within the country and will enable further integration of the Somali financial system with the international financial system.[11]

Hormuud also launched Somalia's first indigenous mobile money app early in the same year. WAAFI combines mobile money, communication, entertainment, and payments, wherein consumers can access bank accounts, perform online transactions, send international remittances, and make international/domestic phone calls all through the app. WAAFI's integrated mobile money experience is an upgrade from the existing USSD technology that many Somalis use.[12]

In 2023, Hormuud Telecom hosted its Somali Success Stories conference, bringing together government leaders, industry representatives and over fifty businesses to celebrate the businesses and innovations driving Somalia's economic growth, and problem solve for the future.[13]

In 2024, Hormuud Telecom's CEO Ahmed Yusuf was named CXO of the year at the Africa Tech Festival,[14] and CEO of the year at the World Communications Awards.

In 2024, Hormuud Telecom brought 5G to Somalia, rolling out the service at no extra cost to customers in over 30 of Somalia's towns and cities. As a result of the first phase of the rollout 5G coverage in these areas stands at 81%.[15]

In partnership with Salaam Somali Bank, Mastercard, Telesom, Golis and Paymentology, Hormuud Telecom introduced contactless payments in Somalia. Together, they launched a co-branded, tokenised, tap-to-pay digital companion card along with a physical card for Waafi mobile app users. The digital card is said to be a first for the Horn of Africa.[16]

The same year, Hormuud Telecom signed an MoU with the Federal Government of Somalia's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Salaam Somali Bank to reinvest climate adaptation and mitigation funding into green initiatives within the country.[17]

Operations

[edit]

Hormuud Telecom has more than 3.6 million subscribers in Somalia, roughly three million of whom use its mobile money platform EVC Plus.[18] More than 189,000 Somali investors have shares in Hormuud Telecom.[8]

Hormuud employs more than 20,000 full-time and part-time staff with different specialties,[1] including telecommunication engineering, customer service, sales and marketing, and finance specialists.[8][19] Around 45% of the firm's personnel are engineers.[8] More than 17,999 Somali investors have shares in Hormuud Telecom.[8] It is the largest private employer in the country, with over 800 customer service centres in both urban and rural Somalia.[4]

Hormuud provides a range of services for commercial, consumer, and residential use. They include fixed line services, GSM mobile services, 2G, 3G and 4G services, Hormuud Mifi, Enterprise Internet, and Hormuud Hotspot.[4] Hormud has no transport services. The company may rent bajajs (motorcycles) to drivers who pay a third of their earnings. As of 2021, the company operates predominantly in south and central Somalia and has 600 masts across the country.[4]

As of 2021, it was estimated that over 11.25 million Somalis, or 70% of Somalia's population, have access to 4G internet.[8] Hormuud also provides the cheapest 4G mobile internet in Africa and in the Arab world.[20] Hormuud Telecom has pledged to ensure full 4G coverage across Somalia by 2023.[21]

Technology and products

[edit]

Mobile services

[edit]

In 2002, Hormuud launched GSM Mobile Services, a prepaid service that offers options for contract or pay-as-you-go mobile services. Customers can top-up their accounts using Hormuud recharge vouchers and scratch cards.[4]

In 2016, Hormuud launched its Ilwadaag service, which allows for reverse calling and has become an important service for low-income Somalis. A whitelist was later added so that families and friends can connect more easily using the service.[4]

Mobile internet and broadband

[edit]

In 2013, Hormuud launched Hormuud Hotspot, a high-speed, secure, and reliable Wi-Fi broadband internet accessible in public places, hotels, and educational institutions.[4] In 2014, it launched Hormuud Mifi, a portable 4G wireless router that can connect to multiple smartphones, tablets, or laptops and offers 4G internet for on-the-go web surfing. The same year, Hormuud launched ADSL Plus, a service that uses a customer's telephone line to send and receive internet data and make calls. At this time, internet capacity in the country was insufficient, yet subsequent capacity upgrades have allowed Hormuud to deliver high-speed fixed and home broadband services to households in Somalia.[4]

Enterprise Internet, a broadband service that offers wireless internet services, was launched in 2014. It enabled simultaneous broadband connectivity sessions for multiple devices. The service is predominantly aimed at providing fixed broadband services for businesses and aid agencies working in Somalia.[4] During the same year, Hormuud also launched My SMS, a bulk messaging service for communication to a large workforce or group of students.[4]

In 2024, Hormuud Telecom launched 5G services across Somalia, including Mogadishu, Kismayo, Galkayo, Baidoa, Dhusamareeb, Beledwayne, Afgoye, Merca, and Dhobley. 4G customers received upgrades to 5G at no extra cost, with 5G coverage in these areas reaching up to 81%. The 5G service offers speeds up to 400Gbit/s per wavelength, with total capacity options up to 38Tbit/s. Hormuud offers an unlimited data plan at $20 per month, one of the most affordable in Africa. Hormuud's 4G network, now covers 70% of Somalia's population, with a target of 88% urban and 70% rural coverage.[15]

In 2024, Hormuud Telecom signed up to the GSMA’s Humanitarian Connectivity Charter pledging to provide connectivity in times of crisis and enhance collaboration with humanitarian organisations. Hormuud Telecom has played a vital role in disaster response in Somalia by replacing basic ringtones with critical alert messages that provide public safety instructions.[22]

EVC Plus

[edit]

First introduced in 2012, EVC Plus is a unique option to transfer and receive mobile money; it operates like SMS. Over 67% of Somalis, especially the most vulnerable communities, use mobile money technology as a sole payment system.[23] EVC Plus differs from many other mobile money platforms in Africa by being totally free at the point of use. The mobile money platform has several key functionalities, such as person-to-person money transfer, person-to-merchant/business money transfer, airtime/data top-up, and account management.[24]

Mobile money is widely used in Somalia, with data from the World Bank showing that mobile money transfer is crucial in Somali's economic and infrastructure growth, with 155 million transactions worth US$2.7 billion reported every month. The majority of these transactions are made through EVC Plus.[5] Research shows that mobile money plays a crucial role in minimising currency loss and fake money.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and welfare organisations sending cash to Somalis in remote areas are exempted from the EVC wallet limit of $300. In the past, Hormuud Telecom provided commission-free bulk cash transfers to NGOs responding to crises (like floods in 2019).[25]

In 2019, Hormuud Telecom launched its humanitarian portal to better facilitate cash aid to remote and difficult to reach areas.[26] The portal uses Hormuud's mobile money network to provide a traceable, timely and efficient way to distribute cash assistance – reducing risks and operating costs for NGOs.[27] The portal can deliver aid to both feature phones and smartphones, and it is used by over 120 humanitarian partners.[26]

The portal won the Africa Tech Festival's Changing Lives award in 2022, for its role in transforming mobile money cash transfers and providing essential financial services to millions of Somalis during the 2021 drought.[28]

In 2023, Hormuud Telecom partnered with the GSMA's GSMA Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Programme (M4H) to increase the uptake of mobile-money enabled aid disbursement by INGOs. The goal of the partnership is to enable the exchange of best practice, and spur innovation.[29]

In Somalia, 70.2% of mobile money users pay education fees on the platform; 56.4% disburse donations and charity; 28.3% shop online; 18.0% receive cash transfers from NGOs; and 16.7% pay government taxes.[5] Research from SIMAD University in Mogadishu has found that the adoption of mobile money throughout Somalia is responsible for the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.[citation needed]

In 2024, Hormuud introduced interoperability in partnership with local banks, which enables seamless payments between bank accounts and mobile money wallets for the first time in Somalia. It allows EVC Plus customers to access basic banking functions like deposits and money transfers through the mobile money platform and means customers can make withdrawals without having to visit a physical bank.[30]

Nasiye

[edit]

Nasiye was first launched in 2013, and became more prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic. This service allows a user to set up music or reading options as their dial tone. During the pandemic, Hormuud replaced some of the Nasiye dial tones with public health announcements to educate vulnerable populations and communities. Hormuud removed service subscription fees to help support the country from 2019 onwards.[4]

WAAFI

[edit]

In 2021, Hormuud launched Somalia's first indigenous mobile money application, which gives Somalis access to a range of digital services across a singular platform for the first time. On the WAAFI app, consumers can access bank accounts, perform online transactions, send international remittances, and make international and domestic phone calls.[31]

WAAFI is a fully integrated mobile money platform, upgrading existing USSD technology that many Somalis use. Currently, USSD-enabled mobile money technology has a penetration rate as high as 80% in urban areas and 55% in rural areas. WAAFI allows users to access their bank account through deposits and withdrawals via their EVC Plus wallet. Through this, businesses can generate QR codes that allow customers to directly credit the businesses' bank accounts.[31]

In 2022, WAAFI won the Changing Lives Award, at the GSMA's GLOMO award ceremony for its role supporting in humanitarian situations.[32]

In 2024, Hormuud's collaborated with WAAFI, Paymentology, Mastercard and Salaam Somali Bank to roll out “Tap and Go” contactless payments in Somalia for the first time. The WAAFI mobile app now allow users to digitally open an account, create a digital Mastercard card, attach the card to a wallet or account, tokenise the card on a digital device, so contactless payments can be conducted with ease.[33]

Sponsorship

[edit]

In April 2019, the Hormuud Scholarship was launched, giving well-qualified Somali students full ride scholarships to Somali universities.[34] Since 2015, Hormuud has also sponsored a number of regional and national book fairs across the country.[35]

Since 2005, Hormuud has sponsored the Banaadir Regional football league.[35] From 2013, it has also sponsored the annual Somalia Super Cup, the domestic football league final.[36]

Hormuud Salam Foundation

[edit]

Hormuud Salam Foundation (HSF) is a non-profit foundation that is fully funded by Hormuud Telecom and Salaam Somali Bank, created for the sole purpose of providing charitable contributions to improving the everyday lives of Somalis.

In 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, HSF and partners donated over US$5 million towards Somalia's coronavirus healthcare and pandemic relief efforts. In 2021, HSF supported the effort to help raise $4 million for the Somalia Action Network COVID-19 relief fund, in partnership with the Somali Chamber of Commerce.[12]

In the same year, the HSF donated Somalia's first public oxygen plant. The plant, purchased from Turkey, was donated to help Somalia cope with severe shortages of medical oxygen. The plant was installed at the Banadir Maternity and Children Hospital, where the foundation has also funded the repair of its COVID-19 ward and the oxygen plant's storeroom.[37]

HSF funds a range of philanthropic relief projects, directly responding to humanitarian crisis across Somalia.[37]

In the winter of 2023, following ‘once in a century’ flooding in the region, Hormuud Salaam Foundation donated and distributed $1million in flood relief.[38] The same year, Hormuud Salaam Foundation sponsored a year of fuel costs for the Banadir Maternity and Children's Hospital in Mogadishu, ensuring the uninterrupted running of services. The foundation also donated ten incubators.[39]

Hormuud Salaam Foundation also sponsored heart disease screening for 119 children in Mogadishu, led by Italian doctors Dr Marianeschi Stefano and Dr Scansani Silvia. As a result of the medial evaluations, 15 children have since been sent to Italy for life-saving surgeries, funded by HSF.[40]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hormuud Telecom

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from Grokipedia
Hormuud Telecom Somalia Inc. is a privately held telecommunications company founded in 2002 in , , and owned by over 12,000 Somali shareholders worldwide. As the leading in the country, it provides nationwide , , and voice and data services, along with mobile financial solutions, to approximately 4 million subscribers. From its origins with 283 initial shareholders, Hormuud has expanded significantly, employing over 35,000 personnel and establishing itself as a key driver of Somalia's digital infrastructure amid the nation's post-conflict recovery. The company pioneered services through its EVC Plus platform, which facilitates rapid transactions, remittances, and for millions, earning it the first telecommunications license from the Somali Central Bank and Mobile Money Certification in 2022, with recertification in 2025 placing it among only ten global platforms meeting stringent security standards. It introduced Somalia's inaugural fiber optic network and, in March 2024, launched the country's first service at no additional cost, achieving up to 81% coverage in major cities including , , and to support applications like IoT for disaster management. Hormuud's growth has not been without challenges, including a 2024 dispute with the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency over demands for subscriber personal and bank data, which the company rejected as unlawful, resulting in office raids and staff arrests before resolution through negotiations reaffirming legal commitments. Despite such tensions, its innovations in interoperability with local banks via EVC Plus continue to advance a cashless economy and digital transformation in one of Africa's most underserved markets.

History

Founding and Early Development

Hormuud Telecom was established on April 2, 2002, in , , by Ahmed Yusuf, a Somali entrepreneur who returned from the in the with a after humble beginnings as a camel herder. Funded exclusively by Somali investors, including over 250 initial shareholders, the company started without foreign donors or assistance to counter potential dominance by international telecom operators in a post-civil landscape devoid of central . Beginning with a modest setup of around 16 telecommunication sites and ten customer service centers, Hormuud prioritized basic mobile voice services to reconnect fragmented communities in south-central , launching from just 10 initial clients. The early development phase unfolded amid acute challenges, including widespread insecurity, chronic power shortages requiring self-funded generators, and the absence of formal regulatory oversight in a stateless environment plagued by warlord influence and militia threats. Operating predating any national licensing framework—such as the later formation of the National Communications Authority—Hormuud relied on private capital for tower and infrastructure, while building operational resilience through community collaborations and localized trust mechanisms akin to clan networks for security in . This approach enabled gradual subscriber expansion from near-zero to establishing reliable voice connectivity, fostering initial economic activity in a context of high and infrastructural voids left by the civil war.

Expansion and Key Milestones

In 2011, Hormuud Telecom introduced EVC Plus, Somalia's pioneering platform, which integrated with international services to facilitate transfers and rapidly scaled transaction volumes amid the country's partial state reconstruction. By 2015, EVC Plus had become indispensable for daily financial operations in south and central , supporting widespread adoption for payments, aid distribution, and commerce. The company expanded its physical footprint in the mid-2010s, deploying over 800 base stations to deliver voice and basic data services across southern and central regions, serving more than 4 million subscribers despite fragmented governance and security risks. In 2013, Hormuud partnered with Liquid Telecom to deploy Somalia's inaugural optic backbone, slashing international bandwidth costs and enabling broader . Collaborations with entities like Salaam Somali Bank fostered interoperability between mobile money and traditional banking, streamlining fund transfers and enhancing financial ecosystem integration. Concurrently, Hormuud pursued advanced network upgrades, initiating /LTE rollout in 2015 in coordination with the Ministry of Communications, even as Al-Shabaab imposed restrictions such as the 2014 mobile shutdown to curb information flow. These efforts underscored Hormuud's adaptation to adversarial conditions, prioritizing technological resilience over territorial limitations.

Recent Developments and Challenges

In November 2022, Al-Shabaab militants conducted a attack that destroyed a Hormuud Telecom center and in Qaayib village, state, which the group claimed as against government-aligned . Hormuud described the incident as a targeted effort to disrupt communications in central , highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities to insurgent operations despite the company's private-sector status. Security threats persisted into 2023, with multiple attacks claiming Hormuud personnel. On December 24, 2023, employee Abdiwahab Osman Ahmed was killed in a bombing in amid a wave of incidents targeting the firm, fueling speculation of rivalry or motives. Three days later, on December 27, an detonated near a Hormuud tanker in the capital, killing two more employees and underscoring the risks to staff in urban operations. Technological advancements continued amid instability, including expansions in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services. In December 2022, Hormuud doubled speeds on FTTH and + packages, from 4 Mbps to 8 Mbps and 6 Mbps to 12 Mbps, to enhance access in urban areas. The company also launched services, enabling IoT integrations for real-time disaster management via sensors, as part of broader network resilience efforts. In mobile financial services, Hormuud advanced in October 2024 by integrating its EVC Plus platform with My and Agro Bank, allowing users to conduct wallet-to-account transfers and other banking functions directly via mobile. This followed re-certification of EVC Plus in August 2025, affirming compliance with global standards for secure, scalable operations after initial 2022 approval. On the international front, Hormuud pursued U.S. banking system access in late 2024, with former U.S. Ambassador to Yamamoto lobbying on its behalf, but faced scrutiny over UN-documented financial irregularities and alleged security breaches enabling insurgent exploitation of mobile networks. UN monitoring reports have flagged risks of Al-Shabaab using Somali telecoms for fund storage and transfers, though Hormuud maintains its platforms include anti-fraud measures. In July 2025, Hormuud signed a memorandum of understanding with Somalia to address vulnerabilities among children, focusing on digital inclusion, education, health services, and emergency communications through subsidized connectivity and joint programs. This partnership aims to leverage Hormuud's infrastructure for humanitarian reach in underserved areas, building on the firm's prior youth employment initiatives.

Corporate Structure and Operations

Ownership, Leadership, and Governance

Hormuud Telecom is a owned by over 12,000 Somali shareholders, including significant diaspora participation, which has enabled broad-based local and operational free from dominant state or foreign ownership. The firm originated in 2002 with an initial cohort of 250 shareholders emerging from the era, pooling resources to establish services amid institutional voids. This shareholder structure fosters resilience in Somalia's unstable environment, where decisions emphasize financial sustainability and security amid threats like , rather than strict adherence to nascent regulatory frameworks. Leadership centers on figures with deep telecommunications expertise suited to Somalia's challenges. Ahmed Mohamud Yusuf, the founder who joined in 2002, served as CEO until stepping down on June 1, 2025, after guiding the company through expansion and earning accolades such as the World Communications Awards CEO of the Year in 2023 for contributions to connectivity and economic rebuilding. He transitioned to Chairman, with Mohamed A. Farah, previously deputy chairman, assuming the CEO role to continue prioritizing profitability, network reliability, and adaptation to security risks over formal compliance in weak governance contexts. Governance relies on internal mechanisms and board oversight, including the chairman and key executives, to manage risks such as threats and ensure audited financial practices despite limited external regulatory enforcement. Empirical studies indicate that these practices, including shareholder engagement and merit-driven selection, correlate with enhanced organizational performance in Hormuud's operations. The underscores a merit-based approach within clan-influenced networks common to Somali private enterprise, enabling decisions that balance profitability with stability in a high-risk setting.

Network Infrastructure and Coverage

Hormuud Telecom maintains an extensive comprising base stations supporting , , , and technologies, achieving coverage for approximately 70% of Somalia's population—equating to around 11.25 million people—as of 2021, with targets for 88% urban and 70% rural penetration. The company has pursued nationwide expansions, including a pledged full rollout by 2023, leveraging tower deployments across major cities such as , , , , and others like Dhusamareeb, Beledwayne, Afgoye, , and Dhobley. In March 2024, Hormuud launched services in these key locations, initially providing up to 81% coverage within those areas to enhance capacity amid growing data demands. Urban infrastructure incorporates fiber optic backhaul, bolstered by Somalia's first international fiber connection in 2013 via a with Liquid Telecom, linking to and enabling termination in southern and central regions. Hormuud subsequently introduced fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services for high-speed in cities, addressing the scarcity of fixed-line alternatives in an environment historically reliant on links. These developments occurred without support, as private operators like Hormuud bootstrapped deployments in the post-1991 regulatory , extending reach to underserved districts despite logistical hurdles in infrastructure-poor terrain. To counter frequent power blackouts and deliberate —such as attacks on towers attributed to Al-Shabaab militants—Hormuud has implemented redundant power systems, including solar-equipped facilities powering 95% of its centers for continuous operation. Deployments like uninterruptible power solutions at cable landing stations further ensure resilience, minimizing downtime in a context where network uptime underpins critical cross-border connectivity.

Products and Services

Mobile Voice and Data Services

Hormuud Telecom offers prepaid mobile voice services via pay-as-you-go plans, enabling users to purchase credit through scratch cards valued at $1 to $10 or electronic vouchers, with no long-term contracts required. Unlimited voice packages include a daily option for $0.5, providing unlimited local and international minutes valid for 24 hours, alongside weekly ($3) and monthly ($12) variants. Basic SIM cards activate for $2, supporting rapid onboarding in regions with minimal processes inherent to prepaid systems. International roaming operates under the Dalmar service, accessible in over 32 countries including the , , and , with outgoing calls billed at $3 per minute and outgoing at $0.25 each; incoming remains free. Partnerships with foreign networks facilitate this connectivity, though usage incurs additional fees beyond Somalia's borders. Mobile data services encompass and packages, such as the Kudhan unlimited bundles combining data, voice, and IPTV: daily for $0.8 (super speed, 1-day validity), weekly for $5.5 (7-day validity), and monthly for $20 (30-day validity with unlimited gigabytes). Broadband access extends to fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) in urban areas, offering unlimited plans starting at $25 for 20 Mbps speeds, scaling to $90 for 110 Mbps, delivered via optic infrastructure. USB modem-compatible supports rural deployment, with 1 GB data priced at about $0.18, positioning Hormuud's rates among Africa's lowest to bridge urban-rural gaps. Network adoption reflects broad accessibility, with reaching 70% of Somalia's 15 million population across southern and central regions via over 800 towers, fostering penetration where nine in ten residents own mobile phones—a sharp rise from 1% two decades prior. Prepaid activation and low-cost recharges enable usage in remote, insecure locales, underpinning essential coordination amid clan-based social structures and limited fixed infrastructure.

Mobile Financial Services

Hormuud Telecom's primary mobile financial service is EVC Plus, a platform launched in 2011 that facilitates person-to-person transfers, bill payments, merchant transactions, and savings storage via USSD codes on basic phones. Users access the service by dialing a , entering a PIN for , which provides a layer of suited to environments prone to physical theft and . The platform supports cash-in and cash-out through an extensive network of agents, enabling users to deposit or withdraw funds at local kiosks without relying on formal banking infrastructure. EVC Plus has achieved widespread adoption, with approximately 3 million active users among Hormuud's subscriber base, representing over 90% of usage in . The service processes high volumes of transactions—estimated at around 155 million monthly transfers valued at $2.7 billion nationwide, predominantly via EVC Plus given its market dominance—surpassing the capacity of traditional banks in a context where handling exposes users to risks like and informal levies. This scale underscores its role in enabling efficient money movement, with features like transaction limits and real-time confirmations minimizing exposure in unsecured settings. In the , EVC Plus expanded with formal financial institutions, starting with integrations to MyBank and Agro Bank in October 2024, allowing seamless transfers between mobile wallets and bank accounts via phone. These partnerships enable EVC Plus users to perform banking functions such as deposits and withdrawals directly for bank customers, with Hormuud planning further bank onboardings in 2025 to enhance cross-system liquidity. This development builds on the platform's foundational P2P capabilities, fostering direct money flows without intermediaries in Somalia's fragmented financial landscape.

Other Financial and Digital Products

In addition to core mobile financial services, Hormuud Telecom offers WAAFI, a mobile application launched on April 22, 2021, that consolidates payments, communication, and entertainment features to streamline digital transactions in . WAAFI enables instant bill payments for utilities, merchant purchases, and bookings such as travel and hotels, addressing fragmentation in local markets by providing discounts through channel partners and supporting online shopping via integrations like . The platform facilitates remittances through a extensive agent network, allowing secure domestic and international transfers that operate alongside informal hawala systems like Taaj, which partners with Hormuud via intermediaries such as Salaam Somali Bank to handle inflows amid restrictions on formal banking from international sanctions and regulatory gaps. By October 2024, WAAFI supported interoperability with banks including MyBank and Agro Bank for enhanced remittance and payment flows, with further expansions planned. WAAFI has also enabled contactless payments through the Tap n Go solution, developed in partnership with Salaam Somali Bank using NFC technology, marking an advancement in digital commerce for urban and merchant users as of October 2024. The app surpassed 2 million users by August 2025, reflecting adoption driven by its role in simplifying fragmented payment ecosystems.

Economic and Social Impact

Role in Financial Inclusion

Hormuud Telecom's EVC Plus mobile money service, launched in 2011, has significantly expanded financial access in Somalia, where traditional banking penetration stood at approximately 15.5% prior to widespread mobile money adoption. By enabling transactions via basic mobile phones without initial requirements for formal identification—unlike conventional banks—EVC Plus lowered entry barriers in a context of prolonged instability and limited infrastructure. This private-sector innovation shifted Somalia from near-zero formal banking participation to over 70% adult usage of mobile money services by 2017, as documented in World Bank-affiliated research. In rural areas, comprising about 72% of Somalia's population, EVC Plus achieved high adoption rates exceeding 70%, facilitating secure value storage and transfers where physical bank branches are scarce. The platform's agent network empowered women as entrepreneurs, with many operating as EVC Plus agents to handle remittances and payments, thereby integrating them into the formal economy; for instance, business owners like Hawa reported expanded operations through seamless inbound and outbound transactions post-2018 adoption. World Bank analyses highlight Somalia's leadership in , with 83% of owners utilizing such services by 2016, underscoring EVC Plus's role in outperforming aid-dependent models through scalable, market-driven access. EVC Plus further promoted inclusion by integrating diaspora remittances, which constitute a major economic inflow, allowing direct deposits to users' accounts and reducing cash-handling risks. Empirical studies attribute this to enhanced transaction , correlating with poverty alleviation via cost savings on transfers—estimated at millions of monthly transactions valued at $2.7 billion overall—without relying on state or donor interventions. By 2021, daily usage approached 80% nationally, demonstrating causal links from simplified access to broader inclusion metrics.

Contributions to Economic Growth and Stability

Hormuud Telecom has played a pivotal role in 's economic expansion by investing heavily in telecommunications infrastructure and digital , fostering a more connected and transaction-efficient . Empirical analysis indicates that the company's operations directly or indirectly influence over 48% of the national GDP through enhanced productivity in sectors reliant on reliable connectivity and transfers. Its EVC Plus platform, which supports a substantial portion of the country's high penetration—reaching 73% of the population aged 16 and above—has accelerated the transition to cashless systems, correlating with broader business growth where a 1% increase in usage yields approximately 11.14% expansion in small and medium enterprises. These dynamics have positioned among global leaders in per capita adoption, underpinning GDP uplifts via scalable digital commerce. In parallel, Hormuud's infrastructure has bolstered amid Somalia's protracted conflicts by enabling resilient, digital transactions that minimize cash-related vulnerabilities in high-risk areas. This facilitates verifiable and private-sector-led dispute mechanisms, reducing friction in informal economies prone to disruption. Studies highlight how such ecosystems counteract instability's drag on output by sustaining entrepreneurial continuity and investment flows, with Hormuud's innovations exemplifying private enterprise's capacity to deliver stability where state mechanisms falter. Overall, these contributions have transformed telecom from a into a macroeconomic stabilizer, evidenced by correlations between Hormuud-driven connectivity and sustained growth trajectories post-civil war.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Hormuud Salam Foundation Initiatives

The Hormuud Salaam Foundation, established as the philanthropic arm of Hormuud Telecom and Salaam Somali Bank, implements programs in , healthcare, and to address gaps in Somalia's underdeveloped public services. Since its formalization, the foundation has prioritized measurable interventions, such as funding and direct beneficiary support, with annual expenditures including $1 million on free dialysis treatments serving over 170 patients at facilities in . These efforts leverage Hormuud's telecom for broader dissemination, though outcomes are tracked via project-specific reports rather than nationwide agent networks alone. In education, the foundation has awarded thousands of scholarships since 2019, targeting students unable to afford university fees, with 37 full scholarships granted to exceptional candidates in 2023 following competitive exams involving 400 participants. It supports institutions like and the Al Nur for the blind, while partnering with programs such as for advanced studies, aiming to build skilled labor in a country where state coverage remains limited post-1991 . In 2025, collaborations with the and Buruuj Technical Training Institute focused on youth skill development to enhance employability. Healthcare initiatives emphasize surgical and screening interventions, including heart surgeries for 14 children at in August 2025 and screenings for over 230 patients, including minors, through mobile campaigns. These programs fill voids in public medical access, where Somalia's serves fewer than 1 doctor per 10,000 people, with foundation funding enabling treatments otherwise unavailable amid ongoing instability. Humanitarian efforts target internally displaced persons (IDPs), with a 2024 partnership allocating land for 10,000 families alongside skill training and job opportunities, coordinated with the Somali government. In 2025, alliances with the expanded this to co-designed projects for job creation, access via Salaam Bank linkages, and for 10,000 IDPs, addressing urban displacement affecting over 3 million Somalis. Such initiatives demonstrate empirical impact through beneficiary counts and provision, though long-term depends on private funding amid limited state capacity.

Sponsorships and Partnerships

Hormuud Telecom has engaged in sports sponsorships to promote national unity and customer loyalty in Somalia's fragmented social landscape. In April 2023, the company served as the exclusive sponsor for the Somali U-17 National Football Team's participation in the held in , providing financial support that enabled the team's historic debut. Earlier, in January 2019, Hormuud sponsored the Somali football match, contributing to the growth of organized sports amid post-conflict recovery. These initiatives target football's popularity to enhance brand visibility and subscriber retention in underserved regions. The company has formed strategic partnerships with international organizations to address vulnerabilities and expand digital access. On July 29, 2025, Hormuud signed a memorandum of understanding with Somalia, focusing on integrating telecom services to improve child education, health, and protection programs for vulnerable populations. This collaboration leverages Hormuud's network infrastructure to bridge the , aligning with national priorities for technology-driven . Hormuud has pursued technology-focused alliances to bolster and . In February 2024, it executed a with Somali Research and Education Network (SomaliREN) to enhance connectivity for higher education and institutions, facilitating data sharing and academic advancement. In April 2025, Hormuud partnered with Arkaan Leadership and Innovation Hub via another MoU, targeting and tech ecosystem growth. Such ties support operational resilience by fostering community investment and long-term market stability.

Controversies and Security Issues

Disputes with Somali Government

In January 2024, the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) conducted raids on Hormuud Telecom's offices in Mogadishu and its affiliated Salam Somali Bank, demanding access to subscriber data including personal identification and bank account details for purported national security purposes. Hormuud refused compliance, arguing the requests violated data privacy standards, resulting in temporary closures of operations. The standoff was resolved on January 17, 2024, following negotiations between Hormuud executives and government security officials, with agreements outlined for future cooperation on data sharing protocols. A subsequent regulatory friction arose in April 2025 over satellite internet licensing, when the National Communications Authority (NCA) granted operational approval to on April 13, 2025, without prior consultation with established providers. Hormuud, holding dominant in mobile and broadband services, publicly contested the decision, citing risks to infrastructure and calls for equitable licensing processes amid government preferences for foreign entrants. This dispute highlighted broader tensions in Somalia's fragile regulatory environment, where Hormuud's private-sector efficiencies contrasted with state controls potentially aimed at curbing perceived monopolies or extracting licensing rents. In parallel, Hormuud sought external support for financial integration in 2024, as former U.S. Ambassador to Larry André Jr. registered as a on September 25, 2024 (Registration Number: 7468), to advocate for the company's access to the U.S. banking system. This lobbying effort occurred against a backdrop of Somali federal restrictions on Hormuud's international transactions, fueling debates over national versus private enterprise in a state with limited regulatory capacity. Despite Hormuud's established licenses, such as 's first approval in February 2021, persistent bureaucratic hurdles in approvals underscored patterns of delayed regulatory clearance favoring state oversight over market-driven expansion.

Allegations of Illicit Activities and Financial Irregularities

In March 2025, reports emerged alleging that Hormuud Telecom facilitated the smuggling of (LPG) from into , with shipments misrepresented as originating from to evade U.S. sanctions on Iranian petroleum products. These claims highlighted potential violations of , as remains subject to U.S. restrictions on LPG exports, and raised concerns over risks from unregulated imports stored and distributed via Hormuud's logistical networks in a country lacking robust oversight. Hormuud has not publicly confirmed involvement, and no formal charges or convictions have resulted from these accusations. Financial irregularities allegations center on Hormuud's mobile money service, EVC Plus, which UN monitoring reports have identified as a conduit for transfers potentially supporting Al-Shabaab operations, including collections and regional financing in areas like Hiran. The platform's dominance in Somalia's informal economy—handling up to 45% of agents processing payments—has drawn scrutiny for enabling sanctions-adjacent flows in a sanctions-burdened environment, though such systems are operationally vital amid limited formal banking. Hormuud's founder, Ahmed Nur Ali Jim'ale, faced U.S. designations in the early linked to Al-Barakaat's alleged , which were removed in 2016 after review, but no direct sanctions have targeted the company itself. Despite these claims, Hormuud maintains that EVC Plus operates as a legitimate service essential for in Somalia's fragile economy, where alternatives are scarce due to conflict and regulatory gaps, and Al-Shabaab has alternately banned and extorted the platform without evidence of Hormuud's complicity. No criminal convictions against the firm for illicit financing have been recorded, with critics attributing misuse to broader challenges in policing informal networks rather than intentional facilitation. In November 2022, Al-Shabaab militants conducted a vehicle-borne (VBIED) attack on Hormuud Telecom's center and transmission tower in Qaayib village, state, central , completely destroying the infrastructure and disrupting mobile services in the surrounding areas. The , which occurred on November 7, killed at least three Hormuud employees and damaged vehicles and offices, with Hormuud attributing the targeting to deliberate efforts by the group to telecom operations. Similar bombings in the same period destroyed additional Hormuud towers and facilities, leading to widespread service outages and economic losses for the company. Analysts have linked these attacks to Hormuud's refusal to comply with Al-Shabaab's extortion demands, framing the destructions as punitive measures against non-payment rather than random violence. Al-Shabaab has historically imposed mandatory "zakat" fees—often amounting to protection payments—on telecom operators like Hormuud to fund operations in areas outside effective government control, with non-compliance resulting in closures, detentions, or infrastructure sabotage. Reports indicate that such fees function as a de facto tax in ungoverned territories, enabling business continuity amid militant dominance, though they inadvertently channel funds to the group's estimated annual extortion revenue exceeding $100 million from various sectors. In response, the Somali government has implemented partial countermeasures, including blocking mobile money transfers and accounts suspected of facilitating Al-Shabaab financing, which has strained telecom services but aimed to disrupt these revenue streams without broadly implicating compliant businesses. These measures highlight a causal dynamic where payments arise from territorial control rather than ideological alignment, as evidenced by attacks persisting despite Hormuud's cooperation with federal elsewhere. UN monitoring reports on Somali insurgent financing underscore the systemic nature of business extortions but note limited direct evidence tying specific telecom entities to intentional support, emphasizing instead the coercive environment in Al-Shabaab-held zones.

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