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 Global Platform for Somali Entrepreneurs.
The Global Somali Entrepreneurs Forum (GSEF) is a premier platform dedicated to empowering Somali business leaders and driving economic growth. Through our annual summits, networking events, and collaborative initiatives, we connect entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, and resources to build a thriving business ecosystem.
Our forum brings together a diverse community of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry experts from Somalia, the Horn of Africa, and the global diaspora. We facilitate dialogue, collaboration, and investment opportunities to support the growth of Somali-owned businesses and contribute to the region's sustainable development.
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
Innovate. Connect. Thrive.
Building on the momentum and outcomes of GSEF 2025, the 2026 Forum marks a deliberate shift from dialogue to delivery — through curated deal rooms, policy labs, and structured investment matchmaking connecting entrepreneurs with capital and opportunity.
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 Entrepreneurs 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.
Strategic Partners
GSEF strategic partners are key institutions and organizations that share our long-term vision, providing enduring collaboration and strategic support to advance our mission.
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
Strategic
Islamic University of Kenya
Knowledge & ethical business leadership
Strategic
Somali Chamber of Commerce
East Africa trade facilitation
Strategic
SOMBIZ Ltd
Somali Business Association
Strategic
Eastleigh Business District
East Africa entrepreneurship hub
Strategic.jpg)
Hormuud Telecom
Somalia's largest telecom operator
Strategic.jpg)
Dahabshiil Group
Global money transfer & banking
StrategicSupporting Partners
Industry leaders and regional champions who amplify GSEF's reach and programming.
Qatar Airways
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Taaj Money Transfer
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WAAFI
HASS
FOCUS Container
Dakawou Transport
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Grit Partners
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Zain Pharma
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Himilo Agrofarm
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SOMCO
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Earth Story Africa
NOREAF
Nexus Africa
Halal Global Std
EFA
Aster Healthcare
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Premier Airlines
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i-FLY AIR
Thank You, Our 2025 Sponsors & Partners
These organisations powered GSEF 2025 — bringing together Somalia's most ambitious summit yet.
Qatar Airways
Airline
HASS
Partner
UNDP
Development
Waafi
Fintech
Grit Partners
Partner
Zain Pharma
Healthcare
Himilo Agrofarm
Agriculture
Premier Airlines
Airline
i-FLY AIR
Airline
SOMCO
Partner
Earth Story Africa
Media
Taaj Money Transfer
Finance
FOCUS Container Freight
Logistics
Aster Health Care
Healthcare
NOREAF
Partner
Nexus Africa
Empowerment
Halal Global Standard EA
Standards
Education for Africa (EFA)
Education
Sombiz Ltd
Business
Universal TV
Media
Citizen Television
Media
SOOYAAL Media
Media
Dakawou Transport Ltd
Transport
Become a GSEF 2026 Partner
Collaborate with leaders, innovators, investors, policymakers, and institutions driving entrepreneurship and economic transformation across East Africa.
Join the Movement
Somalia’s Entrepreneurs Are Building the Future.
Your next partner is in this network. Your next investor is at this summit.