Somalia is plugging 5G into its economic rebound
Somalia has received its first 5G installation, cranking up a series of reforms to revamp its economy after joining the East African Community.
Hormuud Telecom Somalia, its largest telecommunications company, rolled out faster internet last month, signalling growth in the country’s digital services industry.
“As Somalia strides towards stability, the launch of 5G services by Hormuud Telecom emerges as a critical milestone.
“This initiative is more than just a technological advancement, it’s a symbol of our nation’s commitment to growth and constant improvement,” said Somalia’s Telecommunications Minister Jama Hassan Khalif.
The immediate benefit of this roll-out, according to Hormuud, is the seamless upgrade for its 4G customers to 5G at no additional cost, ensuring that a broad base of users instantly enjoy improved internet speed and reliability.
A 5G service is likely to improve connectivity and efficiency, aiding the country’s integration into the regional economy and stimulating trade and investment.
The network will initially be accessible in the major cities, offering 81% coverage, indicating the extensive reach of the new technology nationwide, the service provider said.
“The network will initially be accessible in Mogadishu, Kismayo, Galkayo and Baidoa, as well as Dhusamareeb, Beledwayne, Afgoye, Merca and Dhobley,” Hormuud said.
After years of investor reticence and minimal foreign direct investment flow, Somalis themselves have taken significant steps to alter their economic destiny.
Hormuud Telecom, a local firm established in 2002, promotes itself as “built by Somalis for Somalis”.
Operating from Mogadishu, the company is Somalia’s leading telecom provider, the largest privatesector employer and the first Somali private enterprise to attain international ISO certification.
With more than 12 000 shareholders, all of whom are Somali citizens, Hormuud has grown substantially from the 283 founders who initially started the company.
Given the widespread reliance on mobile money services among the Somali population, particularly among those without access to traditional banking facilities, the introduction of 5G is also expected to significantly boost the efficiency and security of financial transactions.
Somalia’s formal integration into the East African Community was on 4 March.
The country’s access to the regional block came after decades of hesitation due to the factional political conflicts that had engulfed it in civil war.
As active participation in East African Community activities increases, robust digital infrastructure will be essential for further cross-border trade, investment and collaboration.