Hormuud Telecom has launched a new smartphone financing initiative aimed at accelerating digital inclusion by making internet-enabled devices more affordable for millions of users across Somalia.
The programme targets a major gap in the country’s digital ecosystem—device access. While Somalia already enjoys widespread 4G network coverage, many citizens remain limited to 2G or basic feature phones due to the high cost of smartphones.
To bridge this divide, Hormuud has partnered with Getphone to introduce a flexible payment plan that significantly lowers the barrier to smartphone ownership. Under the scheme, customers can acquire a device with an initial payment of $19, followed by daily instalments starting from $0.60. The package also includes bundled voice and data services, enabling immediate connectivity.
A standout feature of the initiative is its fast and inclusive eligibility process. Instead of relying on traditional banking systems or credit histories, the platform uses SIM usage patterns and mobile money transaction data to assess customer eligibility within seconds—opening access to users typically excluded from formal financing.
Hormuud said it will begin with an initial rollout of 10,000 smartphones, with plans to scale distribution to 100,000 devices nationwide by the end of 2026.
The telecom operator noted that while significant investments have been made in building Somalia’s telecommunications infrastructure, the next phase of growth depends on ensuring more citizens can access and benefit from that connectivity through affordable smart devices.
The initiative underscores a broader push to deepen digital participation in Somalia, as telecom operators increasingly turn to innovative financing models to unlock access and drive adoption in emerging markets.
