Empowering Somali Entrepreneurs. Connecting a Global Community.
Connecting Somali entrepreneurs with global investors, partners, and East African business leaders.
Until Summit 2026 at Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill
Who We Are
A Premier International Platform for Entrepreneurship & Investment.
The Global Somali Entrepreneurship Forum (GSEF) is a premier international platform that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, policymakers, development partners and the Somali diaspora to foster entrepreneurship, investment and sustainable private sector growth.
Through high-level dialogue, strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange, GSEF promotes innovation, regional collaboration and inclusive economic development across Somalia and the wider East African region.
GSEF 2025
REPORT
Building Resilient Enterprises for Sustainable Growth
GSEF 2024
REPORT
Empowering Entrepreneurs. Transforming Communities.
IMPACT AT A GLANCE
Measuring progress.
Driving change.
Two years of collaboration, innovation,
and action — building a stronger
ecosystem for Somali entrepreneurs.
40+
Sessions & Workshops
Capacity building and
knowledge sharing
25+
Partners & Sponsors
Collaborating to empower
and accelerate impact
1000+
Entrepreneurs Engaged
Building community,
sparking growth
20+
Countries Represented
Uniting entrepreneurs
across the globe
Stronger Together
Building a resilient
entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Innovation in Action
Turning ideas into
real solutions.
People at the Center
Empowering dreams.
Inspiring futures.
Impact that Lasts
Creating change
that endures.
Moments That Inspired
Highlights from GSEF 2024 & 2025
Our Ecosystem
The Somali Business Universe
Fintech & Banking
Mobile money, digital payments, and Islamic finance innovation powering a cashless economy
Real Estate
Urban development, diaspora investment, and construction transforming East African cities
Technology & ICT
Energy
Agriculture
Trade & Logistics
Healthcare
Education
Hospitality
Maritime
GSEF 2026 Theme
Shaping the Future of East Africa Through Innovation, Inclusive Governance, Regional Integration and Sustainable Investment.
GSEF 2026 will convene regional and international stakeholders to explore investment opportunities, strengthen cross-sector partnerships and accelerate sustainable economic transformation.
Explore the 2026 Agenda“Somalia’s time is now. Together we are more than ready.”
— Mohamud Fahie, Co-Founder & Chairman, GSEF
Entrepreneurship as an Alternative to Irregular Migration
Targeted support to youth-led enterprises — through skills, mentorship, financing and market access — creates viable livelihoods at home and reduces migration pressures before crisis points are reached.
Mobilising Diaspora Capital & Blended Finance
The Somali diaspora is not only a source of remittances but a strategic development and investment partner. GSEF explores how to move from informal support toward scalable, impact-driven investment models.
Green & Climate-Resilient Enterprise Development
Priority sectors include renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, climate-smart livelihoods, health, and digital solutions that enhance resilience across the Horn of Africa.
Women’s & Youth Economic Leadership
Women- and youth-led enterprises are drivers of innovation and social stability, yet face systemic barriers. GSEF prioritises targeted support, leadership development and gender-responsive ecosystem reforms.
Technology, Digital Innovation & Artificial Intelligence
Responding to youth voices, GSEF elevates technology and AI as emerging priorities — exploring how innovation can unlock new business models, improve productivity and expand access to regional and global markets.
GSEF Leadership
The People Driving The Vision
Meet the founding team and leadership behind the Global Somali Entrepreneurship Forum — the individuals shaping the future of Somali business.
Mohamoud Fahie
Co-Founder and Chairman of The Board of GSEF
GSEF
Abdinoor Maalim
Director — Strategic Operations & Communications
GSEF
Farhiya Farah
Director — International Relations & Partnerships
GSEF
Acknowledgement
GSEF further acknowledges the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its role as a co-organiser of the Forum and for providing in-kind technical and convening support that strengthened policy discussions, panel sessions, and thematic exchanges. The Forum also benefited from the active participation and continued commitment of local and regional leaders who have pledged to support and advance this youth-centred, inclusive, and climate-resilient entrepreneurship initiative beyond 2025.
Testimonials
What Leaders Are Saying About GSEF
Voices from policymakers, ecosystem leaders, entrepreneurs, development partners, and institutions participating in GSEF.
Somalia is no longer a question mark on the map; it is a rising star. We are transitioning from fragility to an opportunity-rich market where global partnerships and youth excellence are leading the way.
The interconnected markets of the Horn of Africa offer significant potential for cross-border trade. We must create tailored financial instruments to support youth and women in entrepreneurship.
This forum demonstrates what can be achieved when innovation meets policy and investment. Together, we are crafting the future of Somali entrepreneurship.
We must champion inclusive business models that drive sustainable development and empower communities, fostering innovation that modernizes tradition, creates jobs, and strengthens critical systems like healthcare.
Our 2025 Sponsors
These organisations powered GSEF 2025 — bringing together Somalia's most ambitious summit yet.
Qatar Airways
HASS
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WAAFI
UNDP
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Earth Story Africa
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Premier Airlines
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i-FLY AIR
NOREAF
Sombiz Ltd
Dakawou Transport Ltd
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Zain Pharma
Our Supporting Partners
Industry leaders and regional champions who amplify GSEF's reach and programming.
Education for Africa (EFA)
Halal Global Standard EA
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SOMCO
Our Media Partners
Citizen Television
SOOYAAL Media
Become a GSEF 2026 Partner
Collaborate with leaders, innovators, investors, policymakers, and institutions driving entrepreneurship and economic transformation across East Africa.
Join the Movement
Where Somali Entrepreneurs Meet Investors, Partners and Opportunities.
Your next partner is in this network. Your next investor is at this summit.