Dirso, Kaydso, Iibso
For centuries Somalilanders have sold livestock to their nomadic neighbours with a dusty handshake. Now, they're using mobile phones to complete the deal. Unrecognised on the international stage, without access to commercial banking services, the people of Somaliland fall under the unfortunate umbrella of "the unbanked". And yet, an innovative alternative has filled the financial vacuum here. In 2009, Somali telecommunications company Telesom were the first to introduce a mobile money service by the name of Zaad...
This system, run entirely through mobile phones, has become a simple and easy way for Somalilanders to save, store and spend money. It’s changing the way that business is done, the way money is exchanged and even how aid is distributed in times of need.
In April 2018, I travelled to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, to produce and film a documentary about this fascinating innovation. I worked alongside a Somali-led research and development company called Transparency Solutions, who facilitated filming access across the city - and even into the Somali countryside. I interviewed Somalilanders from all walks of life about how mobile money transfers are affecting their lives. From nomadic herders to cookie shop owners, mobile money transfers are changing the way that the people of this little-known country are getting by...
