USSD and SMS remain essential channels for inclusive digital access, particularly for humanitarian programmes, financial services, agricultural services and government information. Unlike web portals or smartphone applications, these technologies do not require mobile data or application downloads.

However, deploying across Somalia’s mobile networks is not simply a matter of publishing one phone number. Each operator may have separate contracting procedures, approval arrangements, technical integration requirements, testing processes and ongoing service support. For a development partner or private service provider, coordinating these relationships can consume time and create operational overhead.

These challenges become more important when services need to serve multiple regions, maintain consistent user experiences and respond quickly to updated information. Institutions benefit from a single partner that understands both telecommunications integration and the practical requirements of last-mile mobile services.

Sauti created Sahan Mobile as a single commercial and technical coordination service for organizations deploying USSD and SMS solutions in Somalia. The product is designed to reduce the effort involved in establishing and maintaining separate direct relationships with each operator.

Its core capabilities include:

• Three-network coordination: access to Hormuud, Telesom and Somtel through a single point of contact;
• USSD service launch: support for operator agreements, application integration, shortcode arrangements and end-to-end testing;
• SMS service delivery: coordinated outbound text messaging for alerts, confirmations, notifications and information campaigns;
• Existing application integration: connections for organizations with a USSD application or back-end service already developed; and
• Optional platform development: Sauti’s broader expertise in menu design, automation, information management and system analytics.

Potential uses include humanitarian referrals and early warnings, agricultural advisories, community surveys, registrations, public-service information, customer self-service and financial-service interactions. Sahan Mobile is not confined to one thematic sector; it functions as enabling infrastructure for organizations with different content and service needs.

The service draws on Sauti’s experience integrating real-world information platforms with Somali telecoms, including its work on Usheeg with IOM Somalia. The important distinction is that Sahan Mobile provides integration and delivery capabilities to other organizations, rather than being a single donor-funded information project.