Good communication network changing fortunes of Puntland, Somalia

The mention of Somalia often conjures images of famine, terrorism, and anarchy. While these issues have plagued the country, there are also pockets of stability and thriving business economies.

Somalia has experienced over four decades of governmental failure since the overthrow of dictator Said Barre in 1991. International efforts to restore normalcy are still ongoing.

Despite the widespread turbulence, there are oases of peace and civility within Somalia. One such place is Garowe, a town in the Puntland state, which is located at the tip of the Horn of Africa, the easternmost point of the continent bordering the Indian Ocean.

Musa Wesutsa, who arrived in Garowe after the end of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, initially anticipated a hostile environment and intended to complete his consulting assignment quickly and return to Nairobi. Contrary to his expectations, he found Garowe welcoming and full of opportunities. Four years later, Wesutsa remains in Garowe, eager to stay.

“The people here are very enterprising and willing to improve their status. Because of that, when you come here as an honest consultant or professional, you want to stay,” he says. His risk management consulting services have seen significant uptake from organizations aiming to adopt best global business practices.

“Organizations here are looking at global forums and seeking partnerships with other organizations globally and regionally. There is a strong adoption of global standards such as ISO standards and frameworks like GMSME,” says Wesutsa.

Puntland and its capital, Garowe, have forged a unique trajectory different from the rest of Somalia. Understanding Garowe’s progress requires recognizing that insecurity is the biggest challenge to stability in Somalia.

Unlike other parts of the country, Garowe is characterized by the free movement of people and business, with fewer roadblocks and checkpoints.

Garowe has attracted people from other parts of Somalia who come for business and essential services absent in their hometowns. On July 17, Puntland witnessed a rare event in Somalia: Business leaders from the region attended the ISO certification award ceremony for Golis Telecom, despite security threats.

Golis Telecom has established itself as a central pillar of Garowe’s business economy, providing a full range of telecommunication services, including money transfer services within and outside Somalia. Its mobile communication network is critical for monitoring, reporting, and responding to security incidents.

“KYC – Know Your Customer – has helped security and stability in the region because we can track and trace all transactions,” says Golis Head of Business Development, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamud. The company has overcome monumental political and economic challenges, as well as natural disasters in its 22-year journey.

“Tsunami was one of the natural disasters that occurred in Puntland, destroying many residential areas and the economy of large parts of Puntland. Despite that, Golis Telecom has survived due to its robust business model,” Dr. Abdirahman explains.

Abdikadir Mohamed, a returnee from Saudi Arabia, initially settled in Mogadishu but encountered challenges in communication and sending money to his family scattered across Somalia. “Communication is the best in Puntland. I can call Mogadishu, but they can’t call us,” says Abdikadir.