The glitz, pride and celebration of excellence took centre stage at the Somali Hero Awards 2025, where business brilliance met social impact; and one of the night’s standout winners was Tawakal Express Chief Executive Officer, Zakarie Hashi.
In a ceremony that honoured trailblazers shaping the future of Somali and global communities, Hashi walked away with the Best CEO – Social Entrepreneur Award, a recognition that cements his rising profile as one of the youngest and most impactful leaders in the global remittance space.
The accolade comes at a time when the remittance industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technology, innovation and the growing needs of diaspora communities. For Hashi, the honour is not just about corporate success, but about leadership with purpose.
Despite having been appointed CEO only months ago, Hashi’s influence has already been felt across Tawakal Express’ global footprint; a feat that impressed judges and industry watchers alike. His recognition underscores how quickly his vision and leadership style have begun reshaping the company’s trajectory.
A trained statistician, Hashi holds a Bachelor’s degree from Yarmouk University in Jordan and a Master of Science degree from Western Michigan University. His academic grounding in data, finance and technology has become a defining feature of his leadership approach, blending sharp analytics with a strong social mission.
Founded in 2003, Tawakal Expres has grown into a trusted global remittance powerhouse, operating in over 50 countries and serving millions of migrants and diaspora communities across Africa, Europe, North America and the Middle East.
Hashi has made it clear that the future of remittances lies in accessibility and efficiency.
“Our focus is on expanding mobile applications and digital wallets to meet the growing demand for seamless remittance services,” he said.
Beyond convenience, compliance and security remain key pillars of his leadership. Strengthening data protection systems and meeting evolving regulatory standards form a critical part of Tawakal Express’ transformation agenda — an area that has become increasingly important in the fintech space.
Strategic partnerships are also high on the list. Collaborations with major mobile money platforms such as M-Pesa, MTN and Airtel are set to redefine cross-border money transfers, particularly for customers sending funds from North America and Europe to Africa.