They revolutionize dairy production, create sustainable paint and establish new platforms for online sales.
Samira Mohammad is first to produce cheese in Somalia. Foto: Maurits Otterloo
Together
with Business Sweden and Sida, Forum Syd supports Somali entrepreneurs
who dare to invest in a market few other dare to touch.
Entrepreneurs can apply for support to their business ideas with
clear human rights and sustainability objectives through the program SSBP
(Swedish Somali Business Programme). Recently 42 entrepreneurs gathered
to develop their ideas and share experiences. Here a five ambitious
entrepreneurs who are part of the SSBP programme.
Samira Mohammad is first to produce cheese in Somalia. Photo: Maurits OtterlooSamira Mohammed, People2work, dairy production.
- It was such a wow-feel when I realized I was first on the local cheese
and dairy market. It was during the drought that it hit me that we must
make use of all available resources. Despite the meet consumption being
high in Somalia there are actually very few who drink milk. I
appreciate being able to mix in a Swedish perspective on the market in
Somalia, to be able to run a company that also strengthens women’s
opportunities and that has a well-founded environmental perspective.
Rhoda Elmi is a pharmacist and has previously been pharmacy manager in Gothenburg. Photo: Maurits OtterlooRhoda Elmi, Elmimedic, import and distribution of medicine.
- Everything is optimized in Sweden. That is not the case in Somalia,
but we have great potential and opportunity to grow. When I investigated
the quality of medicine in Somaliland I realized that the pharmacies
only sold medicine that is banned within the EU. Why shouldn’t Somalians
have access to the same medicine as Swedes? Health is a prerequisite
when building a sustainable society, especially for women and youth. I
want to import medicine in order to improve the living standard in my
country.
Bile Antar Huseyn wants to create tech opportunities for youth in Somalia. Foto: Agnes NygrenBile Antar Huseyn, Swedhorn, online sales.
- Somalia hasn’t come very far within the field of online sales. My plan is to start a version of Blocket in
Somalia, but bigger. People will be able to sell their things through
the service but wholesale retailers will also be able to use the
platform to sell their goods. I already have a partner in Sweden and
several contacts in Somalia to be able to carry through this idea. SSBP
has taught me that there are many risks and that challenges are many but
that you can’t give up.
Muna Magan make use of local production to secure sustainability. Foto: Agnes NygrenMuna Magan, Riyan Organics, skin care and cosmetics.
- To me the SSBP programme had nothing to do with the grant. It was
about the exposure and connection to Business Sweden and Forum Syd. The
training and mentorship has really benefitted my business. I employ
female workers in my business because they are loyal, motivated and with
their salary they provide for more people. Children to a woman who can
support herself will go to school. It benefits the whole society.
Khadija Omar strives for both sustainability and job opportunities for women. Photo: Maurits OtterlooKhadija Omar, Rage 3K, paint production and sale.
- In Somalia women primarily operate in the informal economy and few are
registered business women. I want to be a role model as a business
manager and hire women to improve their lives. People in Somalia have to
repaint their houses every three months since the paint doesn’t stick.
Me and my brother, who is teaching chemistry at a university in Canada,
will develop paint that is better suited to the Somali climate. It will
save people time, money and be environmentally sustainable.
Afrivive Investments Ltd
Ambalal House , Mombasa Trade Centre
Mji wa Kale
Nkurumah Road
Mvita
Mombasa
The Republic of Kenya
Tel: + 254 7 1111 8888
WhatsApp: +252 611 222 999
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