Program Overview

The Somali Investment Academy (SOMINA) was a high-level capacity-building programme organized by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in collaboration with Strathmore University Business School. Held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 28 July to 1 August 2025, the week-long programme was designed to strengthen investment knowledge, entrepreneurial capacity, and policy engagement among Somali professionals. SOMINA focused on equipping participants with practical tools to understand global financing mechanisms and position Somali institutions and enterprises for sustainable investment.

Program Background and Objectives

SOMINA was developed in response to the persistent challenges facing Somalia’s private sector, including limited access to finance, governance gaps, and high investor risk perceptions. The programme aimed to build the capacity of Somali professionals to attract, structure, and manage investments effectively, while promoting sustainable business practices aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Through a blend of theory, applied case studies, and expert-led discussions, participants gained insights into debt, equity, and blended finance instruments, as well as the complementary roles of the World Bank and IFC in Somalia’s public and private sector development.

Participant Profile and Networking

The programme brought together a diverse group of participants from private sector companies, start-ups, financial institutions, development organizations, and government-related entities. This diversity enriched discussions and enabled meaningful exchanges on financing, policy barriers, regulatory frameworks, and the role of higher education in investment readiness. For SIMAD University and SIMAD iLab, SOMINA provided valuable networking opportunities with policymakers, international finance leaders, and regional academic institutions, opening pathways for future collaboration and institutional partnerships.

Key Learning Outcomes

Participation in SOMINA generated several important learning outcomes relevant to SIMAD University and SIMAD iLab. These included a deeper understanding of how development finance institutions assess governance, transparency, and impact when making investment decisions, as well as practical knowledge of concessional finance, equity investment, and blended finance models. The programme also emphasized risk management in fragile and post-conflict contexts and highlighted the value of case-based teaching methods, which can be integrated into SIMAD’s academic curricula and entrepreneurial training programs.

Implications for SIMAD University and SIMAD iLab

For SIMAD University, SOMINA underscored the importance of strengthening curricula with content on investor readiness, ESG standards, governance, and risk management to enhance graduate competitiveness and institutional relevance. Engagement with IFC and the World Bank further positioned SIMAD as a credible academic partner for development finance institutions. For SIMAD iLab, the programme reinforced the Lab’s role in translating investment knowledge into practical support for entrepreneurs through investor-readiness bootcamps, mentorship, and tailored incubation services.

Partnership and Collaboration Opportunities

SOMINA highlighted several partnership opportunities for SIMAD at regional, national, and international levels. These include collaboration with Strathmore University on joint training and innovation exchange, engagement with Somali ministries to support an enabling investment climate, and partnerships with financial institutions to strengthen SME financing capacity. Collectively, these opportunities reinforce SIMAD’s role as a bridge between global finance, academia, and Somali innovation ecosystems.

Strategic Recommendations and Collaborations

Building on the insights gained from SOMINA, the report outlines strategic recommendations focused on deepening international collaboration, strengthening public–private partnerships, building institutional capacity, and scaling entrepreneur support. These recommendations aim to position SIMAD University and SIMAD iLab as leaders in shaping Somalia’s investment ecosystem through research, education, innovation, and policy engagement.

Conclusion

The Somali Investment Academy was more than a professional training programme; it was a strategic engagement that strengthened SIMAD University and SIMAD iLab’s positioning within regional and global investment networks. By combining technical knowledge, applied learning, and high-level networking, SOMINA provided a strong foundation for future collaboration with development finance institutions and academic partners. The programme reaffirmed SIMAD’s commitment to preparing Somali professionals and entrepreneurs not only to participate in the economy, but to lead Somalia’s long-term economic transformation.

The full report is available for download HERE.