In a country where innovation often comes not from luxury but from necessity, Hormuud Telecom is once again making waves—this time with the launch of an artificial intelligence service that speaks directly to the people, both literally and figuratively.
The new service, called Caaqil (a Somali word meaning “wise” or “knowledgeable”), is an AI-powered assistant that allows users to ask questions and get instant answers via SMS—no internet required.
In much of rural Somalia, internet access is patchy, smartphones are still a luxury, and formal education can be out of reach. But nearly everyone has a basic mobile phone. That’s what makes Caaqil so revolutionary—it works on any phone. All a user needs to do is dial *1000#, send a question to 1000, and within seconds, they’ll receive a response in Somali.
Yes, Somali. That’s one of the most important parts of this story. In a world where most AI tools are built in English or other major global languages, Hormuud’s decision to develop Caaqil in Somali is not just a technical feat—it’s a cultural milestone. It’s about meeting people where they are, in the language they think, live, and dream in.
“It’s not just technology for the sake of it,” says Layla Mohamed, a university student in Mogadishu. “Caaqil feels like it was made for me, my family, my country.” And it was.
Hormuud has long positioned itself as more than just a telecom provider. The company introduced EVC Plus, the mobile money platform that now powers over 70% of daily transactions across Somalia. It brought 4G and 5G coverage to regions once considered unreachable. Now, with Caaqil, Hormuud is opening up access to information—something as vital as communication or money in today’s world.
The AI assistant can answer questions on a wide range of topics: farming tips, business advice, health information, schoolwork help, and even general knowledge. Whether it’s a herder in Gedo wondering about livestock care or a student in Garowe needing a science explanation, Caaqil is there—just a text away.
For many, it’s become a digital encyclopedia, teacher, and advisor rolled into one.
What sets it apart is its simplicity. There’s no need for data bundles, no need to download an app, no need for a smartphone. It’s knowledge at your fingertips, designed with Somalia’s realities in mind.
The timing couldn’t be better. As AI continues to dominate global headlines, Somalia is proving that this powerful technology doesn’t have to be out of reach. In fact, with tools like Caaqil, it can be made more inclusive, more local, and more impactful.
Of course, questions remain about what’s next. Could Caaqil evolve into a voice assistant for the visually impaired? Could Somali developers begin building on the platform to create educational or health-focused tools? The potential is huge.
But one thing is already clear: Hormuud isn’t just keeping up with the world—it’s helping to shape it, on Somali soil, in Somali language, and for Somali people.
Mustaqbal
