Empowering Migrants Through Mobile Connectivity: My Journey Developing Tailored Products at Libyana

Introduction:

In today's increasingly interconnected world, mobile technology has the power to transform lives and bridge gaps between different communities. As a Senior Principal Engineer at Libyana Mobile Network Operator, the #1 telecom in Libya, I had the unique opportunity to work on developing a range of products and services catering to the specific needs of migrants in Libya. In this blog post, I'll share my experience working on this project, its alignment with corporate social responsibility goals and ICT4D methodologies, and the potential impact of these offerings on both migrants and the Libyan market, despite the project being on hold due to sector instabilities.

The need for targeted mobile services for migrants is particularly pressing in Libya, given its strategic position as a migration hub in the region and the complex challenges faced by migrants within the country. Libya has long served as a key transit point for migrants from Africa and Asia seeking opportunities or refuge in Europe. However, these migrants often find themselves in precarious situations, facing social, economic, and political instability, as well as a lack of access to essential resources and services. By developing tailored mobile services specifically for this vulnerable population, companies like Libyana can help address the unique communication needs of migrants in Libya and provide a crucial lifeline in a challenging environment.

In my experience working closely with migrants on other projects, I encountered several key challenges that migrants face when attempting to access mobile services in Libya. One such challenge is obtaining a SIM card in their own name, particularly for those who have lost their official documents or entered the country through irregular means. Without proper identification, migrants may be unable to access essential mobile services that are crucial for communication and staying connected with their families and support networks. Additionally, language barriers often compound these difficulties, as many migrants are not proficient in Arabic, making it even more challenging for them to navigate and understand local mobile service offerings. By addressing these challenges, we aimed to develop tailored solutions that would enable migrants to overcome these barriers and benefit from mobile connectivity in their daily lives.

By offering accessible, affordable, and inclusive mobile solutions, Libyana and other stakeholders can empower migrants to stay connected with their families, access vital information, and navigate the complexities of life in Libya, ultimately fostering greater social cohesion and promoting the well-being of migrants and their host communities alike.

A Vision for Social Impact:

Libyana's commitment to corporate social responsibility and its adoption of ICT4D and M4SDGs methodologies inspired the development of tailored products and services for migrants in Libya. In collaboration with various stakeholders, including international organizations, I aimed to address the unique needs of migrants, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, and contribute to their well-being.

Libyana 4 Migrants: Key Objectives:

The Libyana 4 Migrants initiative was designed with the following objectives in mind:

1. Provide tailored solutions for migrants, addressing their communication needs.

2. Update Libyana's user database to better serve this important customer segment.

3. Establish a communication channel with a previously untapped customer base in Libya.

4. Collaborate with stakeholders to support migrants.

Creating a Multilingual Experience:

Recognizing the importance of language in fostering inclusivity, we aimed to work closely with international partners to translate all USSD menus into migrant languages, including Bengali, Hausa, and French. Additionally, a dedicated USSD menu was planned for organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide essential information and services for migrants, like registering for the Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) program.

Accessible SIM Cards for Migrants:

I sought to make mobile connectivity more accessible to migrants by allowing them to purchase their own SIM cards using their available documents. The new SIM cards included a pre-installed SIM Toolbox featuring USSD menus in migrant languages. We also thought of offering the option to increase the number of SIM cards per migrant. In collaboration with organizations such as the IOM, awareness brochures detailing migrant-focused services were planned to be provided when purchasing new SIM cards.

Tailored Bundles for Migrants:

To cater to the diverse communication needs of migrants, I designed special bundles based on their requirements. For migrants with cell phones, a bundle with minutes and discounted international calls to their home countries. For those with smartphones, a more comprehensive bundle, including data, minutes, and SMS, was built as a part of the project, with additional customization options. Furthermore, prioritizing the enhancement of network coverage in areas with a high concentration of migrants was part of the plan.

In conclusion, my journey with Libyana has taught me that mobile technology has an incredible potential to empower migrants and promote social cohesion in a region grappling with complex challenges. The Libyana 4 Migrants project, though currently on hold, stands as an example of what can be achieved when companies take on the responsibility of addressing underserved segments of the market and developing tailored solutions to meet their unique needs.

As we move forward, I hope to see more companies and stakeholders across the globe embracing the power of mobile connectivity to make a tangible difference in the lives of migrants and other vulnerable populations. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and connected world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances or background.