Ahmed Yussuf

F rom humble beginnings as a camel herder, Ahmed Mohamud Yussuf, the CEO of Hormuud Telecommunications started his business career as a door-to-door salesperson and eventually opened a shop. Although he was forced to flee Somalia in the 1990s, he returned and joined Hormuud in 2002. It is over twenty years later, and Ahmed’s contribution to Somalia’s economy and its communities cannot be underestimated. From re-establishing basic GSM (2G) services to introducing 4G, Ahmed has made it his mission to use technology to connect Somalis with their loved ones — both at home and abroad — and to encourage the transfer of remittances into the country. To kick start Somalia’s economy, Ahmed launched EVC Plus — a mobile money app now used by over two-thirds of the population. EVC Plus has provided a backbone for businesses in Somalia to not only exist but to thrive. The infrastructure created by mobile money has transformed Somalia’s economic situation and has established our country as one of the world’s first truly cashless societies. In 2021, Ahmed and his team also launched Waafi — Somalia’s first fintech app, putting Hormuud at the forefront of digital payments in the region. The app combines mobile money, communication, entertainment, and payments in one platform, and enabled Somalia’s first incountry digital bank transfers.

In 2023, with the above innovations, Ahmed Mohamud Yusuf has emerged as the winner of the illustrious CEO of the Year award at the World Communications Awards in November 2023. The event, which celebrated its 25th anniversary, last year, took place at the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The World Communications Awards, launched in 1999 by Total Telecom, have become a global platform to recognize and honor the successes and innovations within the telecoms industry. This annual event brings together decision-makers from around the world, making it the biggest night in telecoms. It provides an exceptional opportunity for telecom thought leaders to showcase their commitment to excellence Business 2Ahmed Yussuf in the industry. In the CEO of the Year category, Ahmed Mohamud Yusuf competed against CEOs from renowned companies such as Deutsche Telekom (Germany), MasMovil (Spain), Colt Technology Services (United Kingdom), Kacific Broadband Satellites (South East Asia), and Bahrain Network. His victory at this famous award not only highlights his personal achievements but also shines a spotlight on Hormuud Telecom, bringing international recognition to the company. That accolade adds to the list of achievements of Mr. Yusuf and his company on the international stage. A week prior to that award, he was honored with the CXO award at the Africa Tech Ceremony held in Cape Town, South Africa. Ahmed Yusuf’s triumph at the World Communications Awards 2023 is undoubtedly a proud moment for Somalia’s giant telecom company and also marks a new chapter in Somalia’s telecom history