Somali businessman Abdirashid Duale’s Somtel launches Somali’s first 5G network

Somtel, the prominent telecom and technology service provider majority owned by the multinational conglomerate Dahabshiil Group, has joined forces with mobile payment provider eDahab to introduce a state-of-the-art 5G network across Somali regions.

This significant development, coming on the heels of the successful launch of a 4G network in the area, signals a remarkable advancement for the region’s technology ecosystem, promising to elevate digital and financial inclusion to unprecedented levels.

Positioning Somalia alongside nations such as South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria, Somtel’s adoption of 5G technology underscores the nation’s emergence as a major player in Africa’s digital transformation. The company has a history of innovation, having pioneered one of the first major broadband services, Bluekom Fiber.

Somtel and eDahab unleash 5G, ushering Nomadic culture into the digital age

Somtel and eDahab’s digital services are instrumental in modernizing traditional nomadic culture, facilitating seamless trade, communication, education, and entertainment, regardless of geographic location.

Duale, the CEO of Dahabshiil Group, expressed pride in the launch, stating, “We are incredibly proud our Somtel colleagues have launched a 5G network.”

Duale emphasized that this move aligns with the vision for a tech-driven future, positioning the region for increased foreign investment and a flourishing tech scene.

“This cutting-edge technology will be instrumental in driving speedy ICT solutions for economic growth and enriching the digital lives of all Somalis,” he added, highlighting the importance of the rapid connections enabled by 5G which will unlock a world of possibilities, empowering the nation to harness the benefits of emerging technologies.

Somtel’s next leap: Dahabshiil-led initiative boosts telecom dominance

Dahabshiil, the international money transfer corporation led by Duale, holds a substantial 95-percent ownership stake in Somtel. The telecom giant provides a diverse range of mobile phone and Internet services, playing a pivotal role in connecting and serving regional consumers.

The recent initiative is poised to reinforce Somtel’s standing as the premier telecom and technology service provider in the region, boasting the most extensive network coverage in Somaliland. The company has an active partnership with Telesom to further enhance communication and connectivity in the region.