Somalian operator Hormuud Telecom has announced that its founder and CEO, Ahmed Yusuf, will step down on 1 June, with deputy chairman Mohamed Farah (pictured) set to take the reins.
Yusuf will remain with the company as chairman of the board. His successor, Farah, brings more than two decades of experience within Hormuud, having previously served as general manager and deputy chairman. He played a key role in expanding the operator’s mobile network and scaling its mobile money platform, EVC Plus.
As CEO, Farah will lead the rollout of Hormuud’s new humanitarian strategy, due to launch later this year. The strategy will prioritise extending digital infrastructure to underserved regions, strengthening ties with humanitarian and development partners, and promoting long-term resilience through inclusive access to mobile services.
Commenting on his appointment, Farah said: “Smartphones are vital to Somalia’s development. They open doors to education, connect entrepreneurs to opportunity, and link families to health services and emergency support. But access remains limited, especially compared to our regional neighbours. Expanding smartphone adoption will be a key priority of mine.”
Hormuud Telecom was founded with investment from Somali diaspora communities fleeing the civil war that began in 1991. The company now claims over 13,000 shareholders and serves more than 90% of the Somali population.
Between 2019 and 2024, its EVC Plus mobile money platform facilitated over US$914 million in aid transfers to 3.5 million beneficiaries, often delivering support within days of crises.
Reflecting on his time at the helm, Yusuf said: “Hormuud Telecom was built to connect people at a time when the country was emerging from civil war, with no functioning telecoms infrastructure and limited access to basic services. Our task was to rebuild what had been lost, but also to leap forward and create systems that could deliver livelihoods, security, and dignity through innovation.
“Today, we are a lifeline for families, a platform for entrepreneurs, and a partner to humanitarian agencies. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together, and confident in Mohamed’s ability to lead the company forward with clarity and purpose."
