Mogadishu, Somalia – April 6, 2025 — eBesa is proud to announce the launch of the Uganda remittance corridor via its eBesa Global, in partnership with Airtel Money Uganda. This new service enables our Somali and Ugandan customers in Somalia to instantly send money to Uganda, directly from their mobile phones.
With this partnership, eBesa and Airtel Money Uganda aim to serve the growing demand for reliable, fast, and affordable money transfers between Somalia and Uganda. The corridor is particularly important for Somali families supporting loved ones studying in Uganda — many of whom rely on international remittances to pay university tuition fees, cover living expenses, and manage essential needs.
The service also supports Ugandan nationals working in Somalia, including military personnel deployed under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and civilians employed across sectors such as hospitality, security, NGOs, education, and technical services. These individuals can now send and receive money with greater ease using eBesa and Airtel Money Uganda.
Beyond personal remittances, eBesa also sets its sights on enabling seamless business transactions between Somali and Ugandan enterprises. This initiative was inspired by recent bilateral commercial engagements, including the 2023 Uganda–Somalia Business Dialogue held in Kampala — organized by the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) — which focused on trade in agriculture, livestock, and construction materials. In 2022, Ugandan companies also actively participated in the Mogadishu Trade Expo, showcasing food products, machinery, and pharmaceuticals to the Somali market.
With Somalia officially joining the East African Community (EAC) on November 24, 2023, regional economic integration is gaining momentum — and eBesa is ready to be a trusted financial bridge in that transformation. The new corridor opens the door for more digital trade settlements and cross-border B2B transactions, reducing reliance on informal channels and promoting financial transparency and growth.
“This partnership marks another milestone in our mission to connect communities and enable inclusive financial solutions. We are excited to empower families, professionals, and businesses across Somalia and Uganda through fast and secure money transfers,” said Mohamed Bashir Osman, Head of Mobile Money Services at IBS Bank.
“Good news for parents in Somalia and students studying in Uganda. Parents living in Somalia can send education funds and bills to students in Uganda directly to Airtel Money using the modern eBesa service,” said Japhet Aritho, Managing Director of Airtel Money Uganda.
The Uganda corridor is the latest addition to eBesa Global’s growing network of international money transfer services, as part of its vision to become a trusted and accessible financial bridge between Somalia and the world.
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