Somalia has launched a new national network aimed at connecting startups with incubators, business organizations, and government institutions to strengthen the country’s growing innovation ecosystem. The initiative was unveiled during the BIC Somali Innovation Forum in Mogadishu as part of the BIC Somali Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The new network is designed to provide entrepreneurs with better access to business support, mentorship, resources, and opportunities for collaboration. It brings together startup founders, incubation centres, chambers of commerce, and public institutions to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.
The initiative has already supported hundreds of entrepreneurs through training and incubation programmes. Organizers reported that more than 3,600 applications have been received across three programme cohorts, with around 500 participants completing introductory training and more than 200 entrepreneurs receiving incubation support. The latest cohort supported 75 businesses.
The launch comes as Somalia faces significant employment challenges, with nearly 500,000 young people entering the labour market each year while the economy creates only around 80,000 jobs annually. Officials believe strengthening entrepreneurship and supporting startups can help create new economic opportunities and encourage private-sector growth.
The Somali government is also working on intellectual property legislation to provide stronger protection for innovators and help formal businesses access financing. Officials have encouraged startups to register their businesses, noting that formalization can improve access to investment, protect ideas, and support long-term growth.
With continued support from international partners and growing regional economic integration, the new startup network aims to build a stronger foundation for innovation, job creation, and private-sector development in Somalia.
