Today in Hargeisa, @UNIDOSomalia convened a Broader Policy Round Table that brought together key ecosystem players including financial institutions (@MicroDahab, @IBSBankSo, @premeirbankSO), universities, incubators (@HarHub), private sector actors (@Shaqodoonorg), and entrepreneurs to discuss collaborative solutions for strengthening the enabling environment for SMEs and startups. This project is implemented with the generous support of @EU_in_Somalia.
A bold move to formalize innovation in Somalia! @UNIDOSomalia hosted the BIC Somalia Governance Committee Workshop with @iRisehub & @SimadiLab to shape BIC Somalia as a legally recognized Community of Practice. The session focused on shared governance, strategic initiatives, and drafting an MoU to unlock collective impact. From AI innovation and diaspora investment to food demo days and export readiness, partners aligned on high-impact initiatives that no single incubator could deliver alone. Proudly supported by @EU_in_Somalia. #Somalia#Entrepreneurship#Innovation#BICSomalia
Today, @UNIDOSomalia hosted a validation workshop in Mogadishu to present and review the draft pre-feasibility study for a PPP model under the Jowhar Off-Stream Storage Programme (JOSP). The workshop brought together key partners, including @FAOSomalia, @MOASomalia, @MoEWRSo, and other #JOSP stakeholders to exchange views on key findings for the successful and sustainable operation and maintenance of the programme. #PPP#AgroDevelopment#UNIDO
Empowering Entrepreneurs: Yasin’s Camel Business Flourishes 🌱
Yasin’s camel business in Kismayo is a testament to resilience and growth. Through @UNIDOSomalia’s entrepreneurship training and an $80,000 loan from its Inclusive IBS credit facility funded by @AICS_Nairobi—Yasin expanded his herd, boosted milk production, and created employment opportunities for his community. His journey from struggle to success highlights the transformative impact of strategic investments and capacity-building initiatives. 🐪 #Entrepreneurship#Somalia
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: Luul Farah Ahmed’s Journey in Agriculture 🌱
Agriculture is the backbone of Somalia’s economy, yet market access has long been a significant barrier for farmers like Luul Farah, a lemon producer in Beledweyne. With the support of @AICS_Nairobi and @UNIDO’s EDU, Luul gained essential skills in business planning, financial management, and market access, enabling her to thrive in her agricultural venture.
🍋✨ #Agripreneurship#Somalia
Access to clean water transforms lives! Thanks to the generous support of @Japangov, @UNIDO’s Solar PV Water Desalination Plant in Waaciye, Puntland, now provides 100m³ of safe water daily to 8,300 residents. @JapanInSomalia Watch the video to see this transformative project in action. 👇
In Somalia, camels are more than just livestock; they are a source of livelihood, nutrition, and resilience. With support from @UNIDO and funding from @AICS_Nairobi, Aweys Ahmed Jama, a livestock entrepreneur from Galkayo and founder of Xoolo-Maal Livestock, received entrepreneurship training and a $12,000 credit facility. This support enabled him to expand his camel business, increase his herd, improve milk production, and create new market opportunities for his community. Did you know that Somalia has the largest population of camels in the world, with approximately 7 million camels? Camels contribute significantly to the economy, with 80% of the country's exports being livestock. On average, a camel can produce 4 liters of milk per day, which is a vital source of nutrition for many families. #Somalia#Livelihoods#Entrepreneurship#CamelFarming
A step toward stronger, safer, & more sustainable food safety systems in Somala 🇸🇴. Today, at @UNIDOSomalia office along with
@Moci@MOASomalia, @MFBESomalia, @MoLFR_SO, @EU_in_Somalia & @SobsSomalia kicked off the Agri-food Value Chain Development project funded by @EU_in_Somalia, seeking to transform food safety systems and boost trade across agri-food value chains.
The programme aims to:
✅ Improve food safety & trade compliance
✅ Strengthen Agri-food value chains for economic transformation
✅ Foster sustainable food systems & job creation
✅ Enhance domestic & international market access
#FoodSafety#TradeFacilitation#AgriFood#Somalia@UNIDO@EU_in_Somalia
@UNIDOSomalia, with support from @EU_in_Somalia, is empowering the @iRiseHub team through a comprehensive workshop on developing strategic roadmaps and sustainable business plans. This initiative enhances business resilience, fosters innovation, and strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Somalia. By equipping startups and incubators with the right tools and strategies, we are paving the way for long-term success and economic growth. #Entrepreneurship#SustainableBusiness#EUinSomalia
Building Resilient Business Incubators in Somalia
@UNIDOSomalia, with funding from @EU_in_Somalia, is strengthening Somali incubators like @SimadiLab by enhancing their financial and strategic planning capabilities. A recent capacity-building session focused on equipping incubators with essential skills to drive long-term sustainability and growth.
Key topics covered:
✅ Commitment to Financial Sustainability – Strategies to reduce donor dependency through structured financial planning.
✅ Asset & Stakeholder Mapping – Identifying key resources and partnerships to enhance incubator resilience.
✅ Profit & Loss Forecasting – Developing three-year financial projections for better business planning.
✅ Business/Service Model Playbook – Designing tailored models to enhance service delivery and impact.
The session fostered in-depth discussions, with participants exchanging valuable insights, experiences, and best practices. Through initiatives like this, @UNIDO is strengthening Somalia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring incubators can support businesses sustainably and independently.
#Somalia#Entrepreneurship#FinancialSustainability#BusinessIncubators@UNIDO@EU_in_Somalia@SimadiLab
🚜 Agro-mechanization is revolutionizing farming in Somalia by enhancing land preparation, planting, harvesting, and overall productivity. @UNIDO, in partnership with @gaalooge, is improving access to modern farming equipment, helping farmers increase yields, reduce labor, and build climate resilience.
With the support of @AICS_Nairobi, @aics_it & @ItalyinSomalia, this initiative is fostering agricultural innovation and strengthening food security in Somalia. #AgroMechanization#InnovationForGrowth#Somalia
Beyond finance, @UNIDO is strengthening Somalia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing incubation support through @SimadiLab, @iRiseHub & @HarHub. With @EU_in_Somalia’s support, women entrepreneurs receive mentorship, networking opportunities & technical assistance, helping them integrate into value chains & access larger markets. #WomenEmpowerment
Women-led businesses are key drivers of economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction in Somalia. Yet, many face barriers such as limited access to finance, strict collateral requirements, and financial literacy gaps. @UNIDO, with support from @EU_in_Somalia, is empowering women entrepreneurs to overcome these challenges and build resilient businesses. #WomenInBusiness#Entrepreneurship
@UNIDO is engaging the private sector to ensure the sustainability of JOSP’s bulk infrastructure post-rehabilitation. This includes:
✅ O&M of bulk water systems ✅ Bulk water flow management during dry periods ✅ Rehabilitation & management of key irrigation infrastructure ✅ Market linkages for produce with agro-processing parks
@FAOSomalia#Somalia#WaterManagement#AgroDevelopment