The forum, supported by platinum sponsors Growth, Enterprise, Employment and Livelihoods (GEEL), a program of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the World Bank Group, and gold sponsors Dahabshil Bank, Sompower Co., and P.U.R.E., s.r.o., will feature Dr. Amina Hersi Moghe as keynote speaker. Dr. Hersi Moghe is a member of the Somali diaspora and a successful business woman, having launched and invested in numerous multimillion dollar projects, mostly in Uganda.
Dr. Hersi Moghe will share her inspirational story of persistence and resilience over decades overcoming obstacles like a lack of formal education and starting businesses in the overwhelmingly male dominated industry of building and construction. From humble beginnings, Dr. Hersi Moghe is an award-winning entrepreneur whose businesses have changed the face of Kampala and now employ more than 6,000 people, mostly women.
The three-day event will explore the role of government, chambers and associations, and women and youth entrepreneurs in improving the investment climate and expanding energy access, among other topics. Plenary and breakout sessions will give participants the opportunity to learn more about specific sectors of the Somaliland economy including energy, fisheries, agriculture and healthcare. Additionally, entrepreneurs seeking capital will have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to potential investors in the SIF “Pitch Ring.”
“Although many challenges persist, Somaliland is seeing unprecedented opportunities in its business environment right now,” according to Larry Sampler, president of One Earth Future. “Businesses are increasingly pursuing unique financing opportunities from donors, the diaspora, and even public-private partnerships. When investors, entrepreneurs and local business leaders work together like this, the rest of the world will see that Somaliland is open for business.”
SIF 2017 builds on the success of 2015’s Somali Investment Forum-Nairobi, 2016’s Somali Renewable Energy Forum, and last year’s Somaliland Investment Forum.
Media Contact: Debra Havins, 303-533-1712 or [email protected]
About One Earth Future:
OEF is a self-funded, private operating foundation seeking to create a more peaceful world through collaborative, data-driven initiatives. OEF focuses on enhancing maritime cooperation, creating sustainable jobs in fragile economies and research which actively contributes to thought leadership on global issues. As an operating foundation, One Earth Future provides strategic, financial and administrative support allowing its programs to focus deeply on complex problems and to create constructive alternatives to violent conflict.
About Shuraako:
Shuraako is a program of One Earth Future (OEF), which operates throughout Somalia. Shuraako, which means “partnership” in Somali, connects micro, small and medium sized enterprises with investors to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, contributing to a more resilient and peaceful Somalia.
