Hormuud Telecom And GSMA Partner

Hormuud Telecom and the GSMA Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Programme (M4H) have announced a partnership with the aim to drive the humanitarian sector’s adoption of Hormuud’s life changing mobile network services in Somalia.

GSMA M4H will provide technical support and facilitate partnerships with humanitarian organisations, while Hormuud will share best practices and insights from their experience in mobile money cash transfers and other mobile-enabled services.

The aim is to improve access to mobile-enabled services for digitally excluded populations, such as Hormuud’s Humanitarian Portal.

The Portal is underpinned by Hormuud’s mobile money platform, EVC Plus, which allows humanitarian organisations to distribute up to US$ 1 million with a single click of a button. It has become an essential tool to help INGOs distribute cash-aid in-country.

The Commitment comes at a time when an estimated 8.25 million people require humanitarian assistance in Somalia, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The adoption of Hormuud’s services by the humanitarian sector has never been more important.

Speaking on the partnership, Hormuud CEO, Ahmed Yusef, said that Hormuud recognizes the pressing humanitarian needs in Somalia and is committed to making a difference by leveraging our technology to address these challenges head-on.

“Through strategic partnerships like the one with GSMA, we are confident that we alongside humanitarian agencies, can uplift communities in Somalia and enhance their well-being, providing them with the necessary support and connectivity they need to thrive,” Yusef said.

The M4H programme accelerates the delivery and impact of digital humanitarian assistance by catalysing patnerships and innovation for new digital humanitarian services. The programme works with partners to tackle issues such as natural hazard disasters, food insecurity, and forced displacement – all being exacerbated by the climate crisis. The programme is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and is supported by the GSMA and its members.

A Strategy Roadmap will be developed to ensure the goals set out in the Commitment are achieved.

“Our partnership is a prime example of our commitment to leveraging digital solutions for positive impact. By combining our expertise, we will help address the needs of underserved populations and ensure that crucial humanitarian services reach those who need them the most,” Kimberly Brown, GSMA Head of Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation said, in her part.