Hormuud Telecom Credited for Boosting Somalia's Path to East African Community

On the 24^th and 25^th of June, Somalia held a conference in its capital, Mogadishu, aimed at bolstering cooperation with the East African Community (EAC), a regional organization it recently joined.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud opened the two-day conference in Mogadishu, which was being held at the Afisyoone Tent, to discuss strengthening cooperation between Somalia and the East African Community (EAC).

A high-level delegation from East Africa and around the world participated in this critical conference, including government ministers, ambassadors, university leaders, officials, and academics.

Ahmed Mohamed Yusuf, Chairman and CEO of Hormuud Telecommunications, a company he has been building for 23 years to be among the world’s best, spoke at the event. He highlighted Hormuud’s role in fostering Somalia’s development, which he believes significantly contributed to the country’s recent accession to the East African Community (EAC) and its re-emergence on the international stage.

“For the past 23 years, we’ve been building Hormuud Telecom to become a leader in global communication. Thankfully, we’ve made significant progress. This success, I believe, played a role in the warm welcome Somalia received from East African Community member countries. They see Somalia as a nation contributing positively and ready to collaborate,” Ahmed Mohamed Yusuf, Chairman and CEO of Hormuud Telecommunications.

Ahmed Yusuf further emphasized Hormuud’s contributions by highlighting their nationwide expansion of communication services. He also mentioned EVC Plus, Somalia’s leading mobile money platform used for financial transactions, which has significantly boosted the country’s economy.

“Our expanded services have significantly increased digital literacy in Somalia. For the past 13 years, international organizations working with Somalia have directly trusted EVC Plus for transferring funds and assistance. The company has also created over 35,000 jobs.”

Yusuf attributed Somalia’s economic resurgence, a key factor in its acceptance into the East African Community (EAC), to the progress achieved by Hormuud and its affiliates. Their success, he argued, emboldened other companies to invest in Somalia, ultimately paving the way for the country’s reintegration with the regional bloc.

“This is a win-win situation for both Somalia and the East African Community (EAC) member states. Somalia gains access to a larger market, and I have full confidence that the Somali people will actively participate and make a significant impact within the EAC,” Hormuud CEO said.

The conference focused on Somalia’s plans for integration within the East African Community (EAC), particularly highlighting the opportunities for businesses and civil society. Additionally, experts conducted in-depth analyses of the process for developing stronger commercial and social ties between Somalia and other EAC member states.

Hormuud Telecom, a Somali-owned and operated telecommunications company, has emerged as a leading force in the Horn of Africa’s digital transformation. Founded in 2002, the company has grown from humble beginnings to become Somalia’s largest private sector employer, boasting over 35,000 employees and 12,000 shareholders worldwide.

Hormuud Telecom has established itself as Somalia’s most trusted operator, consistently striving to meet international standards for safety and security. The company has pioneered numerous advancements in the country’s telecommunications sector, including the introduction of mobile money, the first telecoms license from the Somali Central Bank, and the first GSMA Mobile Money Certification.

The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its diverse range of services and products. These include nationwide 2G, 3G, and 4G coverage, the popular EVC Plus mobile money app, increased internet connectivity through Somalia’s first fiber optic link, and the groundbreaking Waafi fintech app.

Hormuud Telecom’s journey is a testament to its resilience and determination to empower Somali communities through connection. Emerging from the challenges of a civil war, the company has remained steadfast in its vision to transform lives through technology.

As Hormuud Telecom continues to expand, it firmly believes that technological innovation and digitalization will play a crucial role in unlocking the vast potential of both Somalia and East Africa. The company is committed to facilitating last-mile services and empowering communities through connectivity, solidifying its position as a leader in the region’s telecommunications landscape.