Somalia-based operator Hormuud Telecom signed up to the GSMA’s Humanitarian Connectivity Charter pledging to provide connectivity in times of urgency and enhancing collaboration with humanitarian organisations.
The operator signed the agreement in Nairobi at a workshop held by the GSMA. It joined 160 telecoms companies in striking the agreement such as Ericsson, Millicom Group and Nokia.
The purpose of the charter is to improve the mobile industry’s response to disasters and humanitarian crisis. Its key principles include enhancing coordination among MNOs, scaling and standardising preparedness and response activities, and strengthening partnerships between the mobile industry, government, and humanitarian organisations.
Somalia had been battered by natural disasters including floods, droughts and locust swarms.
Hormuud Telecom aided in efforts against these unfortunate events, an example was when the firm replaced basic ringtones with critical alert messages, provided instructions and guidelines to safeguard the public.
The operator also launched a humanitarian portal in 2019 that it claimed is used by nine out of 10 citizens to collect financial aid from humanitarian organisations. There are 120 such organisations that use this platform.
Hormuud Telecom CEO Ahmed Yusuf said: “We’ve seen in the last decade, the vital role that telecommunications can play in all stages of disaster response in Somalia. With our 4G network coverage standing at 70%, 5G launched this year, and mobile money usage at 90%, we’re uniquely placed to reach those Somalis most remote and in the greatest of need.”
GSMA Head of Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation, Kimberly Brown added: “Disaster preparedness saves lives, just 24 hours’ notice of an impending hazardous event can cut the ensuing damage by 30%. The GSMA’s Humanitarian Connectivity Charter supports our industry for better cooperation in times of emergency and we are pleased to have Hormuud Telecom on board.
