Call for entrepreneurs
AJF × SDRB Somalia Business Plan Competition
Applications open: October 5, 2026 – November 6, 2026
Apply now →For entrepreneurs who want to build productive, export-oriented businesses that create high-quality jobs and raise incomes in Somalia and its regions.
The Africa Jobs Fund (AJF) and the Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank (SDRB) are looking for ambitious founders and operating teams ready to build the next generation of Somali export businesses.
You may already be running a company, developing an early-stage venture, or starting with a well-researched idea. Prior traction is not required. What matters is the quality of the opportunity, your connection to Somalia, and your ability to execute.
We highly encourage Somalis and members of the Somali diaspora to apply, even if you are not currently based in Somalia or its regions.
Why this matters
Somalia already exports livestock, fish, sesame, hides, frankincense and other valuable products. But too much leaves the country with little or no processing, branding or value added locally.
That gap is also an opportunity. New businesses can process Somali resources, meet international standards, connect producers to global markets and build the infrastructure that exporters need. Done well, these ventures can create better jobs, raise incomes and help rebuild industries with a proven place in regional and global trade.
Prize and support
The goal is to provide a pathway from a strong idea to a real export manufacturing business operating at scale, rather than simply awarding a prize and stopping there.
| Step | Stage | Amount | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Win the competition | $20,000 | Seed the project. The winner receives $20,000 to get the business started. |
| 2 | Pilot it | Up to $100,000 | Prove it works. All strong projects, not just the winner, will be considered for investment to develop a pilot. |
| 3 | Scale it | Up to $1,000,000 | Build at scale. A potential pathway to scale-up investment for a successful pilot. |
Export manufacturing opportunities
We are interested in productive and export-oriented businesses across areas such as:
| Area | What that could look like |
|---|---|
| Agriculture & agro-processing | Including sesame, honey, bananas and other crops. |
| Livestock & meat processing | Including abattoirs, cold chain, packaging and halal-certified products. |
| Fisheries | Including cold storage, processing, canning and refrigerated logistics. |
| Natural products | Including frankincense, myrrh, gum arabic and camel milk. |
| Light manufacturing & consumer products | Products made in Somalia for regional and global buyers. |
| Export infrastructure & enabling services | Including testing, certification, packaging, logistics and quality assurance. |
| Other productive businesses | Any business with a credible path to exports, job creation and higher incomes. |
This list is not exhaustive. We welcome strong opportunities we have not considered.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for founders and teams who:
- Have identified a credible productive, export-oriented business opportunity
- Show strong judgment, initiative and ability to execute
- Understand the most important assumptions, risks and unanswered questions behind the business
- Are committed to building and operating the venture, not only advising it
- Can explain how the business could create meaningful economic value and high-quality jobs
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- Have a connection to Somalia
- Be prepared to commit full-time to building the venture
All regions of Somalia are eligible.
What you will need to submit
- Applicant and team information
- A description of your connection to Somalia
- A concept note of no more than two pages
- CVs for all core founders or operating team members
- A one-minute introduction video
A pitch deck or detailed financial model is not required. If you already have one, you may include it instead of the concept note.
Judging panel
Hodan Osman
President & Board Chair, Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank
Leads SDRB’s work to build Somali industry through SME finance, catalytic investment and public value-chain development, bringing deep knowledge of Somalia’s productive sectors, institutional landscape and financing needs.
Abukar Dahir
Co-founder and CEO, Sini Capital Management
An investor and serial entrepreneur with deep expertise in unlocking Somalia’s economic potential, honed through advisory work for banks, governments and DFIs, as well as through co-founding SoFresh Seafood.
Ben Hyman
Operating Partner, Africa Jobs Fund
Launched Africa Jobs Fund, and currently leads AJF’s portfolio and investment work, venture building and operations. Previously started Talent Safari, a leading talent platform for startups in Africa and led product and growth at Leta, a Google Ventures-backed logistics tech company.
Key dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| October 5, 2026 | Applications open |
| October 9, 2026 | Interviews start |
| November 6, 2026 | Application deadline |
All stages of the application and selection process will be conducted online unless applicants are informed otherwise.
Selection process
Applications will be reviewed for eligibility, founder quality, the strength of the opportunity, potential for job and income impact, and the credibility of the proposed approach.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interviews and asked to provide further information. Final selections will be made following additional diligence and review.
Unlock Somalia's export potential
Apply for the AJF × SDRB Somalia Business Plan Competition
Applications close on November 6, 2026.
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About the Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank
The Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank is Somalia's national development finance institution. SDRB works to support economic recovery, private-sector growth and sustainable development through catalytic financing and institutional partnerships.
About the Africa Jobs Fund
The Africa Jobs Fund is a philanthropic venture builder focused on creating high-productivity jobs across Africa through export manufacturing and international labour mobility. AJF works with entrepreneurs to develop promising ventures and provides catalytic capital to help them test and scale.