Somali Diaspora Conference Minneapolis | 22/09/17
INVESTING IN SOMALIA’S DEVELOPMENT The Investing in Somalia’s Development diaspora conference will bring together representatives from NGOs, government agencies, the private sector, academics, innovators, and many more to increase the engagement of the diaspora community and generate more productive investments into Somalia.
This conference will focus on facilitating discussions to strengthen diaspora engagement and finding practical solutions to challenges so that the diaspora and others can Invest in Somalia’s Development in the most effective, efficient way possible.
SOMALIA ON THE RISE
Once considered an environment too risky for development, the nation of Somalia has turned a corner and is demonstrating the resilience and fortitude of its people. Following years of conflict and other challenges, Somalia’s economic recovery is gathering pace. Recent political and development successes – including the peaceful democratic election of President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed – have created a springboard for economic growth and, along with it, increased prosperity and security. Up to 2 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.
$2 Billion
Over 2 million Somalis abroad inject an estimated
$1.3-2 Billion into Somalia per year.
CONFERENCE DETAILS
The objective of the Investing in Somalia’s Development diaspora conference is to increase the engagement of the diaspora community and generate more productive investments into Somalia. This conference will provide the diaspora with options for engagement, foster networks among and between organizations working in Somalia, and develop recommendations and an action plan for the diaspora to invest in Somalia’s development. This conference will be among the first to bring together U.S.-based diaspora communities with government representatives since the 2017 presidential inaugurations in the U.S. and Somalia. The event will tackle several of the key themes and challenges identified through recent efforts, such as the 2017 London Somalia Conference, via three concurrent breakout sessions: • Business growth and investments – This session will bring together experts from the private sector to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the Somalia business environment, present opportunities for investment in the country, as well as talk through lessons learned to effectively monitor the use and success of investments in businesses in Somalia. • Financial services – This session will help audience members explore the financial services available for Somalia and how to address challenges related to securing the transfer of funds to Somalia in a transparent and traceable manner so that financial institutions and governments feel risks are managed and the services can be provided more broadly. • Youth empowerment – This session will examine the important impact that Somali youth have made and continue to make to Somalia. Subtopics will include: promoting youth empowerment; vocational training for youth; employment creation; and entrepreneurship promotion, including the removal of barriers and increased access to capital.
SUPPORTING THE CONFERENCE
This event will draw together government representatives from Somalia and the U.S., NGOs, and recognized leaders within the Somali diaspora community who contribute to the development of Somalia, many of whom will provide sponsorship for the event or share their views through speaking roles. Participation in this event can enhance your organization’s visibility among the diaspora community, decision-makers and opinion-shapers representing the government and private sector, the international nonprofit community, and hundreds of peers who share your interest in and commitment to improving the lives of the Somali people. This event is organized by the Somali Action Alliance in partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia and members of the Somali diaspora community. It is supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development and the University of Minnesota.
Photo courtesy of One Earth Future
Want to know more?
For more information or to explore sponsorship options in further detail and confirm availability, please contact diasporaevent2017@gmail.com.