Strathmore University Business School (SBS), in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has successfully concluded the training of over 50 Somali business leaders under the Somali Investment Academy (SOMINA) Programme. The second and third cohorts of this transformative Programme convened in Nairobi from July 21st to August 1st, 2025, for an intensive one-week training that culminated in a colourful end-of-programme dinner.
SOMINA is a leadership and investment readiness programme designed to equip Somali professionals and business leaders with the strategic skills to unlock economic potential, drive sustainable growth, and attract global investment. The initiative is crucial in positioning Somalia as an emerging investment destination following decades of conflict.
During the launch event, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the Republic of Kenya H.E.M. Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle hailed SOMINA as a game-changer for Somalia’s economic revitalization: “This is not just a training programme—it’s a movement. SOMINA participants are not waiting for change; they are building it.”
As Somalia charts a path toward stability and growth, SOMINA is bridging critical gaps by strengthening leadership capabilities, enhancing public-private collaboration, and aligning Somali enterprises with global investment standards. “When we invest in people, we invest in the future,” remarked Dr. Caesar Mwangi, Executive Dean at SBS.
The two cohorts culminated their training with a celebratory dinner on 31st July 2025. Ambassador Jabril congratulated the participants for their commitment and acknowledged the IFC’s instrumental role in building capacity among Somali business leaders. “We appreciate the training offered, but there is a pressing need for improved access to grants and capital. Somalia’s private sector is ready—we must now deepen engagement and support their next leap forward.” Ambassador Jabril emphasized that Somalia’s future lies in the strength and resilience of its private sector. He highlighted the sector’s creativity, recovery post-conflict, and critical role in national economic transformation.
He further underscored the significance of Somalia’s recent accession to the East African Community (EAC): “With a combined population of over 400 million, Somalia’s EAC membership opens new doors to skills development, regional networks, and global markets.”
Established in 2020 through a cooperation agreement between SBS and IFC, SOMINA is tailored for mid- to senior-level Somali professionals across the public and private sectors. The programme offers practical training in:
- Corporate governance and operational excellence
- International financing and investor readiness
- Risk management and global best practices
By building institutional capacity and enhancing investment readiness, SOMINA supports Somali enterprises in attracting funding from IFC and other development finance institutions, paving the way for long-term resilience and economic inclusion.
Learn more about the SOMINA Programme here
Article by Juliet Hinga
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