Mogadishu: TECHz – News Desk
Somalia has officially established a national innovation network designed to connect business incubators, chambers of commerce, and public institutions to accelerate the growth of local startups.
Unveiled during the BIC Somali Innovation Forum in Mogadishu, the initiative marks a significant step toward unifying the country’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. The new network is a core component of the BIC Somali Project, an entrepreneurship initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
During the launch, key stakeholders signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize cooperation and expand resource sharing across various business support organizations.
Government officials highlighted the launch as a critical economic milestone. Speaking at the ceremony, Ibrahim Osman, Director General at Somalia’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, stated that the government views innovation, entrepreneurship, and digitalization as essential drivers of national economic growth.
To support these emerging businesses, Osman pledged to strengthen legal protections for innovators, noting that comprehensive intellectual property legislation is currently under development. He strongly urged entrepreneurs to formally register their startups, emphasizing that legal incorporation is vital for protecting original ideas and unlocking access to investment capital and formal financial services.
The initiative aims to decentralize entrepreneurial resources, ensuring founders outside the capital have access to mentorship and funding. According to Najiib Abdi, a project coordinator with UNIDO, the newly established BIC Somali Network actively links innovation hubs in Mogadishu and Hargeisa with chambers of commerce in Kismayo, Baidoa, and Bosaso.
The underlying infrastructure has already demonstrated significant local demand. Program officials reported receiving over 3,600 applications across three training cohorts, resulting in 500 participants completing foundational entrepreneurship programs and more than 200 startups receiving dedicated incubation support.
