DahabPlus recognised as leading mobile money App in East Africa

Wajir South MP Mohamed Adow (left) hands the award to representatives of Dahabshiil Group after DahabPlus was named as the Best Mobile Money App of the Year

A digital financial services platform powered, DahabPlus, has been named “Best Mobile Money App of the Year” at the East African Somali Awards held in Nairobi.

DahabPlus was recognised for its innovation, reliability, and role in advancing financial inclusion across the Horn of Africa and beyond.

A subsidiary of the Dahabshiil Group, DahabPlus has been instrumental in facilitating seamless money transfers from diaspora communities to East Africa.

Dahabshiil CEO Abdirashid Duale said the award highlights the platform’s growing influence in delivering digital financial services to underserved populations.

“This recognition highlights our mission to empower individuals and businesses with accessible and efficient financial tools,” said Duale. “As digital transformation accelerates across the continent, we are proud to be at the forefront of inclusive fintech innovation.”

Now operating in over 165 countries, DahabPlus has become an essential tool for millions of users—particularly in unbanked and underserved areas-to send, receive, and manage money securely and efficiently.

From diaspora remittances to business transactions, the platform has strengthened digital connectivity in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Digital transformation remains a strategic priority for Dahabshiil.

Through its DahabPlus wallet, customers can access mobile-based money transfers, bill payments, and merchant transactions, supporting the region’s shift towards a cashless economy.

As smartphone adoption rises across East Africa and the Horn, DahabPlus is keen to expand access to financial services and reduce dependence on physical cash.

Founded more than 50 years ago, Dahabshiil Group is a leading international money transfer and financial services provider, headquartered in the Horn of Africa, with operations spanning Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa.

Dahabshiil has built a reputation as a vital enabler of economic development among African diaspora communities.

Dahabshiil was first established by Mohamed Said Duale in the Somali town of Burao. Duale began by importing goods including food, construction materials, and clothing, from the Gulf.

As civil conflict grew, millions of Somalis were displaced and sought refuge throughout the Horn of Africa and around the world.

With limited resources, Duale and his family established the Dahabshiil remittance network enabling Somalis to send support to their loved ones wherever they were.