NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 4 – Abrirashid Duale embodies the spirit or money remittance in AfricaHe is the CEO of Africa leading money transfer company in Africa.So many lives especially in the Horn of Africa, a region ravaged by war, internal conflict and harsh climatic conditions depend on remittances from diaspora for survival.In the bustling offices of the Dahabshiil Group, Abdirashid Duale stands at the helm of a business empire that spans continents, connects diasporas, and finances the hopes of millions. From modest beginnings in the Horn of Africa to boardrooms in London, Washington D.C., Dubai, and beyond, Duale has overseen the transformation of a once-humble family venture into one of Africa’s—and increasingly the world’s—most respected financial institutions.Dahabshiil—meaning “gold smelter” in Somali—is more than a name. It is a symbol of endurance, trust, and innovation. And its long-time CEO, represents a generation of Somali entrepreneurs who have harnessed private capital, diaspora networks, and digital technology to build resilience across some of the world’s most fragile regions. Over the years, he has participated in global leadership programs and spoken at institutions such as Oxford and Harvard.A Legacy Born of DisplacementDuale’s journey is shaped by the trauma of conflict—and the determination to rebuild. In the late 1980s, as civil war engulfed Somalia, members of his family relocated to the United Kingdom.He joined the family business early, learning the intricacies of trust-based finance and informal cross-border trade. Working alongside his father and other pioneers, he gradually took on more responsibility.In the 1990s, he formally assumed control of the business in the UK. With strong support from his father Mohamed Said Duale and key partners, he led Dahabshiil’s global expansion, transforming it from a small money-transfer firm into a multinational financial services group. Under his leadership, the company entered East Africa, the Gulf, Europe, and North America—ultimately serving clients in more than 140 countries.“We didn’t just build a company,” he once told a regional investment forum. “We built a bridge—between families, between hardship and hope, in every place where we operate.”Building Africa’s Financial ArteryDahabshiil’s success is rooted in a fundamental need: enabling diaspora communities—particularly the Somali diaspora—to send money home. Annual remittances to Somalia and Somaliland are estimated at over $1.6 billion, representing nearly a third of Somalia’s GDP. Much of that flows through Dahabshiil’s network, making it not just a business, but a lifeline.Yet Duale did not stop at remittances. Over the past two decades, with his father’s counsel and a loyal team, the group has expanded into banking, telecoms, and digital finance. Dahabshiil Bank International now anchors the group’s formal financial services. Its mobile money platform, eDahab, reaches both rural and urban clients—many of whom never had access to traditional banking. And Somtel, the group’s telecoms arm, provides essential connectivity across Somali territories.“He understood early on that finance and connectivity were inseparable,” says a Nairobi-based fintech consultant. “That’s why he built both—money transfer and telecom—together.”A Discreet but Influential ForceUnlike many high-profile international CEOs, Duale shuns the limelight. He rarely gives interviews. But when he does, the interest is palpable. In a recent interview with ABC Australia, the journalist described following him through the streets as “like interviewing a rock star.”He prefers to lead through results, negotiations, and quiet influence. But his impact is far-reaching.According to company sources, Dahabshiil reinvests over 5% of its annual profits into local development—supporting schools, clinics, and clean water initiatives in underserved communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company waived remittance fees and provided emergency aid to drought-affected regions.In 2014, when Barclays moved to sever ties with remittance firms under de-risking pressures, Somali remittances nearly ground to a halt. Duale stepped into the policy arena—testifying before the UK Parliament and lobbying for reforms in global compliance regimes.“It was a moment when he had to become both diplomat and entrepreneur,” recalls a British MP who backed the campaign. “And he handled both roles with extraordinary composure.”The Future of DahabshiilToday, Dahabshiil faces a dynamic landscape: fintech disruption, regional competition, and generational shifts are reshaping the sector.“Dahabshiil has always been built on trust—not just between people, but between generations,” Duale said at a Somali diaspora conference in 2024. “Our future depends on continuing that trust in new ways.”In a region where leadership often emerges from unexpected places—and sometimes with little formal experience—a former president remarked: “I think Duale would make a strong presidential candidate whenever he’s ready. Trump was a businessman and became president—why not Abdirashid?” He added that Duale had even been invited to Trump’s presidential inauguration—a gesture, he suggested, that reflects his global standing.Time will tell. But if history is a guide, Abdirashid Duale is no stranger to turning uncharted terrain into opportunity.