Hormuud Telecom to Boost Eco-Friendly Data Centers for AI Expansion in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Hormuud Telecom Somalia Inc., Somalia's leading telecom operator, is embarking on a significant expansion of its green data centers to meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence applications, both at home and abroad, the company's CEO, Ahmed Mohamud Yusuf, revealed on Monday.

Despite the region's complex security and infrastructural issues, Hormuud is pushing forward with its sustainable tech agenda. "Somalia has vast potential, and we are determined to tap into it," Yusuf said. He highlighted the use of solar power as a cornerstone of their strategy.

Hormuud currently operates 11 data centers with a capacity of 10 megawatt-hours, with 95% of this energy sourced from solar panels. The company plans to tailor its expansion based on market demands, leveraging Somalia's plentiful sunlight to ensure daytime operations are eco-friendly. 

"Somalia is one of the most sun-rich countries globally, allowing our data centers to operate using solar power during daylight hours," he noted.

Founded 22 years after Somalia's civil war started, Hormuud, meaning "pioneer" in Somali, has been instrumental in the nation's tech evolution. It has co-funded two of the four undersea cables connecting Somalia to global networks and extended fiber-optic connections to key cities. The next step for Hormuud includes the introduction of 5G technology, with plans to cover 70% of the population by next year.

In a market contested by competitors such as Somtel, Telesom, and Golis Telecom Somalia, Hormuud holds a significant position with 4 million subscribers, representing about one-fifth of Somalia's populace, and 13,000 shareholders. Beyond its commercial activities, Hormuud has committed substantial resources to social causes, distributing £800 million ($1 billion) in humanitarian aid over the past five years.

This promising initiative underscores Hormuud Telecom's role not only as a telecom leader but as a pioneer in sustainable development and technological innovation within one of Africa's most challenging landscapes.

GAROWE ONLINE