SIMAD iLab proudly played a pivotal role at the Global Somali Entrepreneurship Forum (#GSEF2025), held on July 19–20 at Nairobi’s Radisson Blu. This landmark event united Somali entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and innovators from across East Africa and the Somali diaspora, spotlighting the transformational power of entrepreneurship to drive Somalia’s economic future.

Why GSEF 2025 Matters for Somali Entrepreneurs

The forum serves as a dynamic platform for Somali business leaders to showcase innovation, build strategic networks, and attract investment. As Somalia continues its journey toward sustainable economic growth, the event underscored the crucial role of innovation, policy reforms, and institutional strengthening in creating an enabling ecosystem for startups and SMEs.

For Somali entrepreneurs, GSEF 2025 was not just an event—it was an opportunity to connect face-to-face with potential partners, access expert workshops on digital marketing, business management, and team collaboration, and discover strategies to stand out in competitive markets.

Highlights and Key Themes

• Innovation as a Growth Driver: Discussions focused on how Somali entrepreneurs can harness technology and novel business models to penetrate regional and global markets.

• Policy Reform and Institutional Support: Leaders explored necessary regulatory changes and the strengthening of institutions to ensure transparency, access to capital, and inclusive growth.

• Regional Cooperation: Given the interconnected markets of the Horn of Africa, the forum emphasized partnerships within the region to leverage shared expertise and unlock diaspora investments.

• Empowering Youth and Women: Special attention was given to inclusive entrepreneurship, recognizing the vital contributions of women and young innovators in rebuilding Somalia’s economic landscape.

The forum featured workshops on marketing theory blending traditional and digital approaches, cultural creativity sessions to spark innovative thinking, and after-event networking dinners that brought together investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.

SIMAD iLab’s Proud Participation

Represented by our Director, Bahja Shuriye actively engaged in shaping conversations about Somalia’s economic transformation. Our involvement aligns with SIMAD’s mission to nurture entrepreneurship through education, research, and strategic partnerships. The event was a valuable opportunity for our hub to strengthen ties with government leaders, international organizations like UNDP, and private sector champions.

Voices from the Forum

Hon. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Kenya’s Ministry of Health, and H.E. Jibril Ibrahim Abdulle, Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, were among the distinguished speakers who reinforced the importance of entrepreneurship as a pathway to stability and prosperity.

Our Director reflected on the forum as a powerful catalyst for Somalia's future, stating:

"This forum demonstrates what can be achieved when innovation meets policy and investment. Together, we are crafting the future of Somali entrepreneurship."

What’s Next for Somali Entrepreneurs?

GSEF 2025 marked a crucial step in mobilizing diaspora capital and regional cooperation for long-term economic growth. For Somali entrepreneurs and startups, it highlighted pathways to access co-investment platforms, SME funds, and innovation hubs.

SIMAD iLab invites entrepreneurs, students, and supporters of Somalia’s private sector to stay engaged with upcoming workshops, networking events, and incubation programs designed to turn today’s ideas into tomorrow’s success stories.