GEW Garowe 2025 Brings Entrepreneurs, Youth, and Leaders Together to Drive Innovation in Puntland
Garowe successfully hosted the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2025 celebrations on 23 November, bringing together entrepreneurs, youth innovators, government officials, banks, media, and private sector leaders for a full day dedicated to business, innovation, and opportunity. The event was organized as part of the global movement that celebrates entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth and job creation.
The GEW Garowe event attracted more than 180 participants and featured over 20 local business exhibitors showcasing products and services from various sectors, including technology, agriculture, retail, creative industries, and green solutions. The exhibition provided businesses with a valuable platform to gain visibility, connect with customers, and network with potential partners and investors.
A key highlight of the event was the strong participation of youth. Young entrepreneurs and students actively engaged in discussions, explored exhibition booths, and took part in networking sessions. The program emphasized the importance of empowering youth with skills, platforms, and access to opportunities that allow them to turn ideas into sustainable businesses.
One of the most anticipated components of GEW Garowe 2025 was the Green Youth Innovation Competition. The competition received over 200 applications from young innovators across Puntland and other regions of Somalia, reflecting a growing interest in sustainability and environmental solutions. Three finalists were selected to pitch their ideas live during the event in front of a judging panel made up of private sector and development professionals. After a competitive pitching session, one finalist was awarded a USD 2,000 prize to support the implementation of their green business idea.
The event also featured a panel discussion focused on youth access to finance, bringing together representatives from commercial banks and experienced business leaders. Panelists discussed the challenges young entrepreneurs face in accessing capital, including collateral requirements and limited financial literacy, while also sharing practical advice on preparing for loans and exploring alternative financing options. The session generated active discussion and questions from the audience, highlighting the demand for more inclusive financial solutions.
Media coverage played a strong role throughout the event, with local television and radio stations documenting key sessions, interviewing exhibitors, speakers, and competition finalists, and amplifying the message of entrepreneurship to a wider audience. The strong media presence helped extend the impact of the event beyond the venue and into the broader community.
GEW Garowe 2025 demonstrated the power of collaboration between youth, private sector actors, financial institutions, and government stakeholders. It showcased the potential of Puntland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and reinforced the importance of creating regular platforms that support innovation, business growth, and youth leadership.
As Global Entrepreneurship Week continues to be celebrated around the world, the success of the Garowe event stands as a strong example of how local communities can leverage global initiatives to inspire change, unlock opportunity, and build a more inclusive and resilient economy.