Somalia gets first-ever ATM, but user confusion persists

The horn of Africa, Somalia, now has its first-ever Automated Teller Machine (ATM), which was installed in the country’s capital, Mogadishu, on October 1, 2014. But the BBC is reporting that some people are still confused about how the machine works, because the whole idea is novel to them.

The machine was installed in an hotel by Salaam Somali Bank, and it strangely allows customers to withdraw US dollars.

It is unclear if the machine allows for cash deposits the way many new-generation cash withdrawal machines do.

However, it allows customers to withdraw money from their international bank accounts, using their Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards.

Said Abukar, a spokesman for Salaam Somali Bank, explained that people can only withdraw US dollars, but the bank may add other currencies in the future.

“We may add other international currencies in the future,” he said.

“People from the Diaspora and foreigners have welcomed the move with enthusiasm. We are planning to install more ATMs in Mogadishu.”

The use of these machines date back to as far as the late 20th century, with the installation of the first ‘talking ATM’ with audible instructions for the blind in Canada in 1999.

The United States had it in San Francisco the same year; and By the year 2005, the number had grown to approximately 30,000 in the US alone. In Nigeria, the ATM system dates back to 2003.

Salaam Somali bank is an Islamic bank.