Diaspora Investment Fuels Growth Up to two million Somalis living abroad currently inject an estimated US$1.3-2 billion into Somalia’s economy per year, serving as a critical underpinning for the country’s future success. Many Somali diaspora members also have the potential to make high-value investments that can take Somalia from aid recipient to trade partner. At the same time, the diaspora community has played a critical role in supplementing Somalia’s resource constraints by contributing to efforts that build the capacity of businesses and individuals who are still based in-country. The Somali diaspora represents a large pool of potential human resource and investment capital that could be leveraged for long-term and scaled development in the Somali region. Amir, Fahima, and Ahmed, members of the Somali diaspora who returned after years away, share their thoughts on the importance of investing in Somalia and Somaliland, and the potential for growth and return on investment.
Amir, founder of an organic produce company and innovation center.
Fahima, passionate restaurateur and one of the founders of a livestock quarantine and exporting company.
“After 25 years of extensive studies, research, and training around the world, I made the choice to dedicate my life to exploring alternative ways to address the impact of climate change on food production in Somaliland.
“I went back to Somalia for the first time in 2006. I remember people telling me that I was crazy, but it was always my dream to make a difference in my country. I am proud that I was one of the first women to come back home and invest in the land. The growth in Somalia between now and then has been incredible to see.
“I left Somaliland in 1982 for Egypt, and was there until 1984 when I moved to the US as a student. I stayed there for 20 years and in that time I became a commercial pilot and a travel consultant. I came back home in 2000 after almost 20 years away and found many opportunities to do business.
As much as we hope and pray for our country to be great, Somalia has a long way to go. For the Somali people trying to go back home to rebuild, you are on the right path. It is important to gain an education and experience, but equally as important to bring that experience back to Somalia.
Everything was starting from scratch after the war. Although some of the ideas I had were not viable at the time, I stuck to them as I could see the potential as the city grew.
East Africa has a vast untapped market, with unlimited potential for investment. We have had many highlights and successes, but nothing is more rewarding than seeing children eating fresh home grown pineapple, strawberries, and sweet potatoes, among others, for the first time. My aspiration is to see a thriving farming community in Somaliland. I believe that we will be able to tell the next generation that we did our part in making the world a better place than we found it. It is up to us and the next generation to lift Africa up, and let it stand on its own feet.” A major challenge faced by farmers in Somaliland is inadequate access to water. The Growth, Enterprise, Employment and Livelihoods (GEEL) project will support Amir to realize his dreams by partnering to provide efficient infrastructure to access adequate water for his farms. This includes drilling boreholes and setting up modern drip irrigation systems.
Business has no borders. Somali people are very hard working and the country is full of opportunity. Anyone who wishes to invest will be getting a head-start to a land that will soon rise from the ashes. If we don’t work hard for our country, who will? We have to be the first to give back.” At the height of the drought in 2017, GEEL worked with Fahima’s company to buy drought-affected livestock, at fair prices, for export. This saved severely weakened, but otherwise healthy cattle, instead of letting them die, ensuring that a market was created at a time where many had collapsed.
Ahmed Ibrahim, self starter and pioneer in food production and processing.
Somaliland is growing, and there are many opportunities to join in rebuilding the country. If you have ideas, patience, capital, and passion, there is a lot you can do. All the education and experience gained from outside can be put to good use and will benefit you and future generations.” Ahmed plans to be the first fruit and vegetable wholesaler in Somaliland, with aspirations to build a high-quality cold distribution chain to serve domestic and regional markets. GEEL supported this vision by sponsoring learning visits to Kenya, Uganda and India, and will facilitate capital investments into the company to fund expansion.