Hormuud Telecom Launches Smartphone Financing Plan to Boost Digital Access in Somalia

Somalia’s largest telecom operator, Hormuud Telecom Somalia Inc , has announced a new initiative aimed at accelerating digital inclusion by addressing one of the country’s key barriers to connectivity: smartphone affordability.

According to the company, Somalia already has broad 4G network coverage reaching most parts of the country. However, a significant portion of users still rely on 2G or basic feature phones, not because of network limitations, but because smartphones remain financially out of reach for many households. This device gap continues to limit full participation in the digital economy.

To address this challenge, Hormuud Telecom has partnered with Getphone to launch a structured smartphone financing programme designed to lower the entry cost of smartphone ownership. Under the scheme, customers can acquire a smartphone by paying $19 upfront, followed by daily payments as low as $0.60. The package also includes bundled data and voice services, allowing users to become fully connected immediately after purchase.

The eligibility process is designed to be fast and accessible, using SIM usage patterns and mobile money transaction data to assess customers in seconds. The programme does not require a traditional bank account or credit history, relying instead on existing mobile usage data to determine qualification.

The company has announced an initial rollout of 10,000 devices, with plans to scale up to 100,000 smartphones distributed across Somalia by the end of 2026. The initiative is positioned as a step toward closing the gap between network availability and device access.

Hormuud Telecom stated that while Somalia has already invested heavily in building national telecom infrastructure, the next phase of progress is ensuring that more citizens can access and benefit from that connectivity through affordable devices.