Somalia’s Telecommunications Revolution: Cheap Internet and the Rise of Mobile Payments
Over the past decade, Somalia has quietly built one of the most dynamic telecommunications ecosystems in Africa. Despite years of challenges, the country has managed to develop a highly competitive telecom sector that offers affordable internet access and advanced mobile payment services used by millions of people every day.
Today, Somalia stands out as a powerful example of how innovation and private investment can transform digital connectivity and financial services.
Affordable Internet Across the Country
One of the most impressive achievements of Somalia’s telecom sector is the availability of relatively cheap internet. Competition between telecom providers has helped keep prices low while expanding coverage to both urban and rural areas.
Many Somalis access the internet through mobile data networks, which are widely available in major cities and increasingly expanding to smaller towns. The widespread availability of 4G services has allowed users to access online education, digital services, and global communication platforms.
Affordable internet access has also supported the growth of online businesses, digital entrepreneurship, and technology startups in cities like Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
Hormuud Telecom: Leading the Digital Transformation
One of the most influential companies in Somalia’s telecommunications sector is Hormuud Telecom. Founded in 2002, Hormuud has grown into the country’s largest telecom provider, offering mobile services, broadband internet, and digital financial tools.
Hormuud is known for providing reliable mobile connectivity and competitive pricing, making telecommunications accessible to a large portion of the population. The company has invested heavily in network infrastructure, including fiber‑optic networks and high‑speed mobile data services.
Through its continued expansion and innovation, Hormuud has played a central role in connecting Somalia to the global digital economy.
EVC Plus: The Power of Mobile Payments
Perhaps the most remarkable part of Somalia’s digital transformation is the widespread use of mobile payment systems. One of the most popular platforms is EVC Plus, a mobile wallet service developed by Hormuud Telecom.
EVC Plus allows users to send money, pay bills, purchase goods, and manage financial transactions directly from their mobile phones. The system has become deeply integrated into daily life, with many businesses accepting mobile payments as their primary method of transaction.
From paying for groceries and transportation to sending money to family members, mobile payments have become a standard part of everyday life for millions of Somalis.
A Cash‑Light Digital Economy
Because mobile payments are so widely adopted, Somalia has developed what many observers describe as a "cash‑light" economy. In many urban areas, people often rely on mobile wallets more than physical cash.
This system offers several benefits, including convenience, improved financial inclusion, and greater economic efficiency. Even small street vendors and local markets frequently accept mobile payments.
For many people who previously had limited access to traditional banking services, mobile payment platforms have opened the door to digital financial participation.
A Growing Technology Landscape
Somalia’s telecommunications sector continues to evolve as companies expand infrastructure and introduce new services. Internet access, digital payments, and mobile communication have become essential tools supporting commerce, education, and social connectivity.
The combination of affordable internet, innovative telecom companies, and widely adopted mobile payment platforms demonstrates how Somalia has embraced technology to build a modern digital ecosystem.
As connectivity continues to grow, Somalia’s telecommunications sector is likely to remain one of the key drivers of economic development and digital innovation in the region.
