Communities in Somalia face overlapping pressures from conflict, displacement, drought, flooding and volatile food markets. Access to practical information is often fragmented, while many traders rely on informal networks for commodity prices, exchange rates, weather updates and protection referrals. These constraints particularly affect women, displaced people and households with limited income or digital access.

A useful service therefore needed to work on basic phones, be free to access, deliver current and locally relevant information, and be understandable to people with different literacy levels. Trust was also critical: users needed reassurance that the information was verified and that the service did not require registration or payment.

Sauti began with a needs assessment that included stakeholder consultations, community feedback and analysis of Radio Ergo listener reports. Findings informed the information categories, language choices and menu design. Working with IOM and Hormuud, Sauti configured and launched a USSD and SMS platform with simplified information in Somali-language options and English.

The mobile service brings together:

• Market and food supply information, including locally relevant commodity prices and food-security updates;
• Weather and climate services, including forecasts, drought and flood information;
• Early warning notices to help communities respond to emerging hazards;
• Exchange rates to support trade and everyday financial decisions; and
• Verified social and protection services, including information on available assistance and referral pathways.

Technology development was paired with direct community engagement. With government facilitators, community-based trainers and local radio stations, Sauti demonstrated the platform in marketplaces and displacement settlements, collected user feedback, and improved menu navigation and translation. An administrative dashboard enabled the team to monitor registrations, information requests, repeat usage and service performance.