Wednesday August 20, 2025
A GSMA representative presents Hormuud Telecom with the GSMA Mobile Money Certification re-certification award during a ceremony in Mogadishu on Aug. 16, 2025. The recognition places Hormuud’s EVC Plus platform among only ten mobile money services worldwide to meet international standards. Credit/ Hormuud
Mogadishu (HOL) — Hormuud Telecom, Somalia’s largest telecommunications operator, has been re-certified by the GSMA Mobile Money Certification programme, a recognition that places its EVC Plus service among only ten mobile money platforms worldwide to meet international standards for safety and transparency.
The certification is based on independent assessments covering nearly 300 criteria, including fraud prevention, consumer protection, anti-money laundering safeguards, and operational resilience. Hormuud first achieved the status in 2022, and Hormuud officials say its renewal confirms the company’s ability to operate at scale while aligning Somalia’s financial services with global benchmarks.
EVC Plus, Somalia’s most widely used mobile money platform, joins global leaders such as Safaricom’s M-PESA, Vodacom M-PESA, and MTN MoMo in receiving the certification. The platform has become a cornerstone of the Somali economy, with mobile money transactions far outpacing traditional banking.
According to a World Bank report, Somalis conduct about 155 million mobile money transactions each month, valued at $2.7 billion. Nearly three-quarters of adults aged 16 and older use mobile money regularly. EVC Plus alone serves more than 4.5 million users daily and is relied upon by over 145 nongovernmental organizations to distribute humanitarian cash aid nationwide.
“Being re-certified by the GSMA is a major milestone for us,” said Mohamed Farah, CEO of Hormuud Telecom. “It’s a vote of confidence in the strength, transparency, and scalability of our systems, and a clear sign that Somalia is open for business. EVC Plus is deeply embedded in everyday life, helping people pay bills, supporting small businesses, and enabling humanitarian aid to reach those who need it most.”
The milestone comes as Hormuud pursues wider smartphone adoption and accelerates its nationwide 5G rollout. Company officials say these efforts aim to lay the foundation for a digitally inclusive, cashless economy built on systems that are certified, trusted, and aligned with international standards.
The GSMA programme sets global standards for mobile financial services, designed to promote secure, inclusive, and trusted digital finance. By achieving recertification, Hormuud strengthens its position as a trusted partner for customers, regulators, and international organizations.
