Fostering connections between youth-led startups and the business ecosystem
The EU-funded Accelerated Socio-Economic Empowerment of Youth Project was developed with the cooperation of UNFPA and Shaqodoon Organization with the aim of fostering peace and stability in Somalia/Somaliland by fostering youth involvement in peacebuilding, skills development, income-generation, entrepreneurship, sports, and culture. It is the goal of this project to provide youth in Somalia/Somaliland with safe spaces where they can develop their capacity to make a positive difference and become productive and independent agents of social change.
With the support of UNFPA Somalia, Shaqodoon organized an awarding ceremony for 39 youth startups, two social enterprises and three social media influencers. In addition to showcasing the project's impact and fostering connections between startups and the ecosystem, the event also celebrated the winning startups, groups and institutions. 106 people attended the event at the Ali Jirde hotel, including government officials, UN agencies, The Somaliland Bank Association, and members of the youth. Among those present were Mohamed Kahin Ahmed, the Minister of Interior, Siciid Sulub, the Minister of Livestock and Fishing, Muse Selef, the Vice Minister of Trade and Tourism, Faisa Ibrahim, the country director of UNFPA, and Khalif, the president of Somaliland Bank Associations.
Abdqani Dirie, head of Shaqodoon’s programs kicked off the event where warmly welcomed the guests. He shared brief information about Shaqodoon and what the organization does.
Mr Abdrashiid Aidid the director at the ministry of youth and sports, pointed out that the Ministry is collaborating with Shaqodoon on the current youth development program. He deeply praised how Shaqodoon’s organization of a colorful and well-coordinated event.
Somaliland's Minister of Interior Mohamed Kaahin said "In life, everything with value and meaning is based on innovation, if we focus on encouraging innovation we can find solutions to our most pressing issues."
During the event, 39 youth startups from the 4 districts of Hargeisa, Burco, Borama, and Gabiley were awarded $78,000 (seventy-eight thousand dollars). These youth, participated in the Accelerated Socio-Economic Empowerment of Youth Project. The project selection team carried out due-diligence, enrolled the youth into the program, trained them and disbursed investment funds to kickstart their ventures. The event also saw two social-enterprise institutions get awarded with $20,000 (twenty thousand dollars) and three social media influencers awarded $4,500 (four thousand five hundred dollars).