Somalia has recently started to show off its potential in the technology sector regionally and internationally. There is still much work to do due to the ongoing political and economic hardships, but emerging Somali tech entrepreneurs possess the zeal, creativity, and innovation that are necessary to drive change. The underdeveloped fintech, e-commerce, edtech, and logistics industries in Somalia are starting to develop as a result of the abundant internet access to the youth in Somalia.
With the internet becoming more widely accessible to young Somalis, we can anticipate these three tech startups to be significantly ahead of the game by 2025:
1. Zaad—Frontier of Mobile Money in Somaliland
Zaad was created by Telesom and is a mobile money platform inspired by M-PESA in Kenya. They provided monetary services for free through their agents and merchants and were efficient in keeping transactions simple before expanding to allow users to send and receive money with ease. Zaad’s model is clever in how it helps its users to access finance and was an important player in the region’s financial inclusion work.
2. Wadaag Investment—Your Ethical Investment Solutions
Wadaag Investment’s vision is simple: becoming all of Somalia’s best investment firm in Somaliland, and they are committed to halal investment solutions regardless of how you want to invest. Wadaag Investment is dedicated to ethical and responsible practices to establish economic growth and prosperity in the region.
3. Waafi App—Your all-in-one digital lifestyle Platform
Waafi App is an all-in-one integrated mobile money, communication, entertainment, and productivity tool, which makes it a convenient platform to have a full digital lifestyle. We see Waafi is going even further for their users by having all of the essential features seamlessly integrated together. Waafi’s various offerings are an impressive feat and distinguish Waafi from everyone else in the Somali fintech segment.
These startups show the exciting versatility and resilience of the Somali tech sector, creating innovative solutions to some challenging local obstacles. As these startups look to expand and evolve, they’re clearly promising areas for investment and progress in the region.
4. Hormuud Telecom
Hormuud Telecom is not a start-up in the classic sense of the word in terms of age but is the foundation of Somalia’s digital infrastructure. Hormuud is the largest telecommunications company in Somalia, providing everything from mobile money (EVC Plus) to internet. With Hormuud’s latest tech incubator and fintech partners, Hormuud is an important launchpad for many newer Somali start-ups.
5. Gargaara
Gargaara is a government-affiliated financial services platform that enables SMEs to access finance in Somalia. Gargaara connects SMEs who have been ignored by the financial services sector with technology-based credit scoring and digital applications to bridge the gap between financial institutions and underserved businesses. Gargaara is a key enabler as part of the Somali start-up ecosystem.
6. Somsite
Somsite is a fast-growing web development and digital solutions company based out of Mogadishu. It is helping businesses locally establish a digital presence through website building, e-commerce, and digital marketing. As the Somali private sector moves to digitisation rapidly, Somsite has the potential to grow rapidly as well.
7. Muraadso
Muraadso is an emerging e-commerce platform also known as the “Amazon of Somalia.” It is the first to offer a delivery service in major Somali cities. By connecting buyers and sellers, it is bringing a digital buying culture to urban cities in Somalia, including Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Garowe.
8. ShaqoOnline
With youth unemployment still high, ShaqoOnline is addressing a need in connecting Somali job seekers to opportunities. Offering AI-based job matching and ensuring job seekers acquire professional training courses to become employable, ShaqoOnline is benefitting graduates, youth, and diaspora returnees as they acclimate to re-entering the local economy.
9. OGOW Health
Founded with the goal to digitise healthcare, OGOW Health is capturing digital patient data for clinics and hospitals in Somalia. In a country where paper and private patient data reign, OGOW Health’s platform empowers medical professionals to self-manage their patient histories and be organised with their appointments, provide access to relevant medical data, and securely guide patients with medical issues and records in a need-based manner.
10. MoWallet
With MoWallet emerging as a new fintech startup, MoWallet allows small traders and businesses to make digital payments and request micro-financing with ease. By integrating its services with mobile networks, MoWallet is improving financial inclusion across urban and remote areas.
11. Kobciye
Kobciye is an education technology platform that facilitates remote learning for Somali students. Offerings include literacy for business and coding skills. Starting with one learner at a time, Kobciye is helping to create the future workforce of Somalia.
Why These Startups Matter
The emergence of tech startups in Somalia is not just about economic progress but also about changing mindsets. Whether it is about addressing legacy challenges like financial exclusion and poor infrastructure or adopting digital transformation in industries like health care and education, these startups demonstrate that innovation is possible in post-conflict environments.
What’s Next?
One good sign is that there is growing support from the Somali diaspora; private investors around the world and the local government are getting involved in tech. While there are many challenges ahead, like access to capital and regulatory uncertainty, Somali entrepreneurs are proving they are hard-nosed pragmatists.
While the world is increasingly looking to emerging markets, Somalia is quietly developing a tech renaissance, and these startups are leading the digital charge.
