SOMALIA GOVERNMENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BARAKA INSURANCE LAUNCHES PIONEER HEALTH INSURANCE SERVICE

In a country like Somalia where achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and ensuring adequate healthcare financing is a challenge, what better way to curb this challenge than a partnership with a private sector to provide health insurance service for its populace. Universal health coverage (UHC) ensures all people have access to needed health services of sufficient quality without suffering financial hardship, and this is what the launch of the insurance service provides.

On Friday, the 2nd of February, 2024, an insurance service was launched at the Mogadishu Ceremony by Dr. Ali Hajiadam Abubakar, the federal Minister of Health who referred to the insurance scheme as a great opportunity to access quality healthcare and prevent diseases. He also mentioned that the government's involvement will be in terms of support and regulation to ensure its sustainability and transparency.

In attendance were government officials, bank representatives, hospital managers, and scholars who praised the innovation thus, serving as a collaborative effort towards the improvement of healthcare for the Somali people.

The insurance service known as Baraka Aaliye Care is a product of Baraka Insurance, a private owned company headed by Sakariya Ibrahim. This service offers a variety of packages, ranging from basic to comprehensive, depending on the needs and budget of the consumers. It is also affordable and infact, enrolling as a member or beneficiary of the service is way easier. The Baraka Aaliye Care insurance service is a part of a broader Private Sector Partnerships for Health (PSPH) project which was supported by the Swiss Development and Cooperation whose Memorandum of understanding was signed with the Swiss development agency for its completion in January 2022. The project's major aims include to strengthen the health system by enhancing private healthcare financing and service delivery; to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare for all Somalis, not excluding the most disadvantaged.

Founded in 2018, Baraka Insurance operates on the principles of cooperative insurance in compliance with Islamic Shariah laws. With a focus on mutual protection and profit sharing, the company offers a wide range of protection plans, including medical, motor takaful, and home coverages, among others. Central to its ethos is the concept of Takaful, signifying collective responsibility and solidarity in contributing to the well-being of others.

Could Somtel be elevating Somalia's Place in East Africa's Tech Scene?

 

Somtel, a telecommunications company co-owned by the influential Dahabshiil Group, has recently achieved a groundbreaking milestone by introducing 5G technology in Somalia. This move marks a significant leap forward for the nation's technological landscape.

Somtel has a robust history of innovation in Somalia. It has previously spearheaded initiatives such as introducing 4G LTE, VoLTE, eSIM technology, and the pioneering Bluekom Fiber broadband service. These endeavors have solidified Somtel's reputation as a frontrunner in the region's tech evolution.

Somtel's latest achievement involves the launch of 5G technology in Somalia. With its high-speed capabilities and wide coverage, the introduction of 5G promises a transformative impact on Somalia's digital connectivity, opening doors to new possibilities and opportunities.

This leap into 5G is expected to revolutionize various sectors within Somalia. It will enhance internet connectivity, fuel innovation, empower businesses, and ultimately enhance the lives of the Somali people.

Somalia's embrace of 5G aligns it with other tech-savvy African nations like South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria. This positions Somalia as a significant player in Africa's tech ecosystem, potentially attracting foreign investment and fostering a burgeoning tech scene.

Abdirashid Duale, CEO of Dahabshiil Group, expressed pride in Somtel's accomplishment, highlighting how this 5G venture aligns with their vision for a tech-driven future, poised to bring speedy ICT solutions and enrich digital lives in Somalia.

While celebrating this achievement, challenges such as infrastructure development, accessibility, and affordability need addressing. However, this milestone also presents opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

Somtel's launch of 5G in Somalia represents a monumental stride in the country's technological journey. It sets the stage for a future where emerging technologies are harnessed for economic growth and improved livelihoods, positioning Somalia as a noteworthy player in East Africa's tech landscape.

All you need to know about Somtel 

Somtel (سومتيل‎) is a mobile network operator serving Somaliland, with a legacy dating back to its establishment in 1998. As a publicly traded entity registered in the British Virgin Islands, Somtel holds a notable position in Somalia's telecommunications sector, with majority ownership vested in UAE-based MTO Dahabshiil, owning approximately 95% since 2008. 

Headquartered in Hargeisa, Somtel has been a pivotal player in delivering mobile voice, data services, and innovative solutions to its customers, including Mobile Money Services, marking its footprint as a 3G and 4G (and now 5 services provider within Somalia's network.

Ownership and Structure:

Owned by Dahabshiil, Somtel operates under the official registration of the British Virgin Islands.

Services Offered:

Somtel's array of services spans from subscription-based offerings to internet services and cloud-based solutions, alongside its pioneering Mobile Wallet services, which have reshaped the digital finance landscape in the region.

Strategic Partnerships:

Somtel's strategic collaborations have played a pivotal role in enhancing its technological infrastructure and service offerings. The partnership with O3b Networks, Ltd. in November 2013 marked a significant stride in augmenting Somtel's network capabilities, promising high-speed, low-latency capacity to bolster its reliability and efficiency. Additionally, a partnership with Google since 2012 has strengthened Somtel's email services, showcasing the company's commitment to leveraging global partnerships for enhanced service delivery.

Frequency Band and Coverage:

Operating on GSM and 4G LTE networks with frequency bands including 3G 2100, 2G 1800, 900, and LTE 800MHz 20 FDD, Somtel's coverage spans both Somalia and Somaliland, catering to a broad customer base within the region.

Somtel's extensive services, fortified by strategic alliances and cutting-edge technology, underscore its pivotal role in transforming the telecommunications landscape in Somalia and Somaliland. As it continues to expand its offerings and technological footprint, Somtel stands poised to further revolutionize the digital experience for its customers while spearheading advancements in the region's telecommunications sector.