Somaliland Innovations & Cultural Week Summit

Fostering local collaboration and innovation for positive societal impact

24th - 29th February 2024

Borama | Gabiley | Berbera | Burao | Hargeisa

The Somaliland Innovations and Cultural Week Summit is an annual gathering that brings together key stakeholders in innovation, business incubation, and youth-led organizations.

Our Objectives

Empower dynamic forces to actively shape policies affecting them and their communities.
Advocate for the integration of locally derived solutions into the broader national agenda.
Foster sustainable change and positively influence the trajectory of societies.
Provide a platform for meaningful engagement and dialogue between government officials, policymakers, and youth leaders.

Our Vision

We aim to empower youth to actively influence policies, creating a resilient and prosperous society through collaboration, dialogue, and sustainable change.

INNOVATION & CULTURE

This year the summit successfully brought together participants from across Somaliland for six days of inspiring events and discussions. Events addressed the pressing issues affecting the region while showcasing diverse innovation, the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of our communities.

In Borama the event titled “Revolutionizing the Employment Sector: A Journey to Future-Ready Skills” offered insights into the changing employment landscape, focusing on vital skills for success in tomorrow's job market. Addressing technological advancement.
The successful Borama event emphasized the promise of collaboration in fostering youth-led innovation. It concluded with renewed optimism about the future, leaving participants eager to apply their newfound skills and connections to shape a brighter, more inclusive Somaliland.
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In Gabiley, the impactful event "Constructively Uplifting Societal Awareness on Adverse Effects of FGM and Early Marriage," aimed to foster dialogue, enhance advocacy efforts, and empower participants through collaboration between local government agencies, grassroots organizations, and activists. It highlighted the importance of education, youth leadership, and community involvement in eradicating these harmful practices, setting the stage for comprehensive training sessions and key discussions.
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The interactive event in Berbera, "Fostering Innovative Fishery: Exploring Existing Challenges and Opportunities," aimed to address the industry's need for innovation and ingenuity. It bridged traditional wisdom with modern approaches, empowering participants to identify challenges, seize opportunities, and promote sustainable growth. Crucial for the region's economy, the fishery sector faces challenges like declining stocks and outdated practices. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among diverse stakeholders, the event unlocked the sector's potential for innovation-driven solutions.
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In Burao, A Tech Hackathon themed "Harnessing Technological Opportunities for Development," was one of the focal points of the week, where youth, stakeholders, and officials came together to explore how technology could provide sustainable solutions in areas like healthcare and transportation. Over a two-day training session and a main hackathon event, participants collaborated, learned from experts, and created innovative projects that highlighted the transformative potential of technology in their community.
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On the fifth and sixth days, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship summit concluded in the nation’s capital Hargeisa. Two days filled with rich discussions, showcases, and collaborations highlighted the cultural and innovative prowess of Somaliland but also aimed to propel sustainable development through technological and cultural synergies.
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Thematic Areas

Youth Empowerment and Leadership Development

Providing comprehensive training for youth leaders to enhance their skills and empower them to actively shape policies and advocate for pressing community issues.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Promotion

Showcasing innovation hubs, technology events, and discussions on entrepreneurship, funding, and the role of technology in youth development.

Local Solutions Integration and Advocacy

Promoting the integration of locally derived solutions into the broader national agenda, emphasizing the importance of community-driven innovations

Regional Engagement and Collaboration

Organizing impactful one-day events in different regions, fostering targeted dialogue and collaboration to address unique local challenges

Cultural Awareness and Social Issues

Raising awareness about cultural issues and addressing societal challenges such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Early Child Marriage, reflecting a commitment to social progress.