Salaam Somali Bank and Waafi app feted at Somali Night Awards
Omar Ja'far, Marketing Manager Waafi App (left) receives the winning trophy from Somalia MP Abdirahman Agawenye during the 4th Somali night awards ceremony in Mogadishu.
Salaam Somali Bank has scooped the Bank of the Year gong at the 4th Somali Night Awards ceremony held in Mogadishu on May 25, 2024.
The lender was feted for its “complete and efficient service” that includes job creation and improving the country’s economy.
The award comes as the bank, ranked as among the oldest financial institutions in the country, has rolled out plans to improve on service delivery.
The award organisers explained Salaam Bank won the award after regular surveys and focus groups aimed at gathering feedback on existing services and emerging financial goals ranked it top.
Shuayb Haji-Nur Mohamed, Salaam Bank’s Chief Executive, emphasised that the lender has emphasised innovation and growth.
“The customer is always the king and you must always ensure that your king is constantly happy. For us, that means being at the forefront of innovation, providing our existing and prospective customers with new solutions to their everyday financial needs,” he said.
The bank’s innovative activities include a user-friendly online banking platform and mobile app that allows for secure and convenient 24/7 access to manage finances.
This commitment to financial well-being extends beyond transactions, creates a sense of partnership and fosters long-term customer loyalty.
Other winners of the night were the Waafi application which provides communication services, banking and remittances. The app was rewarded as the top among the most innovative categories.
Mohamed Awale, Marketing Manager Salaam Bank (left) with Fardawsa Egal, Minister of transport and Civil Aviation- Somalia
Among others, the Waafi app boasts built-in communication features, which allow clients to make voice and video calls or chat with their loved ones directly within the platform.
Additionally, it integrates entertainment options, letting you book flights, hotels, and even movie tickets.
The application’s success comes at a time when Somali nationals are estimated to send home Sh150 billion each year.
Besides, Somalia has defied its well-documented security concerns to emerge as a formidable source of remittances for Kenya with data indicating Kenyans living and working in the country send home an estimated Sh22 billion each year, or about Sh70 million a day.
A majority of the estimated 50,000 Kenyans working in the country are involved in the business, transport, real estate, banking, agriculture and hospitality industries.
The Somali Night Awards aimed to honour the greatest achievements of the Somali community.
