Somalia’s largest telco firm now invests in API technology to drive economic growth

MOGADISHU, Somalia - As the world embraces new digital technology, the telecommunications industry player will have to embrace the new trend of going under.

One of the key drivers behind the industry's transformation and growth is the adoption of application programming interfaces (APIs) and solutions that are able to face the entire end-to-end spectrum of needs that an API-first strategy requires.

Today, APIs are revolutionizing the telco industry by enabling them to leverage data, foster innovation, and collaborate with partners seamlessly.

The rise of the API economy has opened up new avenues of growth and revenue for telcos. Shifting from a solo focus on providing connectivity and network infrastructure services, to exposing their vast resources.

By doing so, they have expanded their reach, monetized their assets, and tapped into a new business model. APIs have become the fundamental building blocks of innovation, empowering telcos to deliver a wide range of value-added services, such as location-based services, content and media services, mobile application development, mobile payments, identity authentication and verification, and IoT connectivity.

Hormuud Telecommunication Company -Somalia’s largest telco firm plans to invest millions of US dollars in API technology. Recently the firm was globally recognized mobile money certification from the trade body (GSMA) paving the way for the operator to contribute to Somalia’s stability and focus on key growth areas.

The Mogadishu-based company is investing in API technology. APIs, or application programming interfaces, are software tools that allow different applications to communicate and exchange data with each other.

As part of its services, this giant company offers various APIs, including SMS API, Mobile Money, and USSD APIs, which enable businesses and developers to integrate their services into their own applications and platforms, creating innovative solutions for various businesses and markets, and empowering them to create value-added services that can enhance their customer experience, increase efficiency, reduce costs, as well as automating their payment processes and recording transactions accurately, decreasing the risk of errors and saving time and resources.

Hormuud Telecom's API service can address some of the challenges and opportunities that Somalia faces in its economic development.

For instance, a business can utilize the company's mobile money API to allow customers to pay for goods and services via their mobile wallets, additionally, an educational institution can leverage the SMS API to disseminate educational content and reminders to students, parents, and teachers, thereby enhancing learning outcomes and retention rates, especially for those with limited internet or electricity access.

Moreover, a healthcare provider can benefit from Hormuud Telecom's IVR API by calling patients with health tips or reminders about appointments or medication, and outbreak notifications thereby improving health awareness and adherence among patients, particularly those with low literacy levels or living in remote areas.

The SMS API provided by Hormuud Telecom is widely used and popular among big local banks, NGOs, and money transfer companies in Somalia. The popularity of this service can be attributed to its reliability, speed, and cost-effectiveness, making it an essential tool for businesses and organizations looking to improve their communication with customers.

As evidence of the impact of the company’s API technology on the Somali economy, Mohamed Mohamud (Shiine), a young entrepreneur and founder of SOOMAR- one of Somalia's leading e-commerce companies, stated, "This type of e-commerce enterprise would not have been possible without Hormuud Telecom's mobile money API (EVCplus)”, he also highlighted how the company's mobile money API has enabled innovative solutions for aspiring entrepreneurs and fintech firms.

These are just some examples of how the company’s API and the APIs technology, in general, can take part in the revival and development of the Somali economy.

By providing these tools, Hormuud Telecom is enabling innovation and entrepreneurship among businesses and developers who can create solutions that meet the needs and aspirations of Somalis. As Somalia continues its journey toward peace and prosperity.

GAROWE ONLINE