EXPERT COMMENT

Somtel Somalia: Empowering telecommunication technology for better global connectivity

Somtel controls 67% telecom customers across Somaliland, Somalia and Puntland

In Summary
  • Kepios analysis indicates that internet users in Somalia increased by 138,000 (8.5 per cent) between 2022 and 2023.
  • Latest data shows, the country's internet penetration rate stood at 9.8 per cent of the total population at the start of 2023.

Its well-known fact that Somalia has for long time experienced periodic lack of internet access.

This has in the past led to interruptions in operations as both local and international organisations face delays in decision-making and possible security risks. 

That situation has gradually changed as Somalia became a fast-growing country and one of the top countries in Africa that have advanced in technology, especially in the telecommunication sector. 

Latest data shows, the country's internet penetration rate stood at 9.8 per cent of the total population at the start of 2023.

Kepios analysis indicates that internet users in Somalia increased by 138,000 (8.5 per cent) between 2022 and 2023.

The giant Somali Telecommunication Somtel Somalia has been at the forefront of this transformation, bridging the digital divide and enabling connectivity in both urban and rural areas.

It controls 67 per cent telecom customers across Somaliland, Somalia and Puntland – one in all the region’s fastest growing when it comes to mobile telecommunications.

This has greatly improved communication access in the country, as it has increased the capacity of the connectivity infrastructure and reduced the cost of the services. These services have also connected Somalia to other countries in the region and beyond at global level. 

Founded in 2012, the firm is committed to connecting communities, empowering businesses, and enriching lives across Somalia, and to advancing communication solutions and driving the nation’s growth.     

The firm has exhibited several art works before, including believing that communication is the key to development

Mobile phone penetration as a percentage of population has been rising in the country, reaching 51.8 per cent in 2021 in Somalia, according to World Bank. This is 3.10 per cent less than in the previous year.

Historically, mobile phone penetration as a percentage of population in Somalia has been on rise, reaching  an all time high of 53.5 per cent in 2020 and an all time low of 0.917 per cent in 2000.

Even so, due to poor infrastructure, the county has been ranked 140th within the group of 144 countries we follow in terms of mobile phone penetration as a percentage of population.

As a market leader, Somtel has solutions including dedicated connectivity and cloud services, to support the growth and success of entrepreneurs and enterprises in the digital age.

The entrepreneurs have eventually discovered how Somtel Somalia company can empower their businesses.It is also offering services inspiring communities through education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.

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