The inaugural East Africa Somali Awards were held in Nairobi, celebrating the transformative impact of cross-border investments and honouring the remarkable achievements of the individuals, businesses, and communities across East Africa and the diaspora.
The awards brought together entrepreneurs who are driving innovation in logistics, tech, and hospitality, bolstering regional economies through strategic investments.
Attended by Somali government officials, regional business leaders, and entrepreneurs, it highlighted how cross-border economic collaboration fuels East Africa’s growth, uniting communities in a shared vision of prosperity and progress.
Speaking during the ceremony, Somali Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Amb. Jabril Abdulle, noted that collaborative economic ties amplify East Africa’s growth, uniting diverse communities in a shared pursuit of progress and opportunity.
As the community embarks on a unity pact and inspiration, this marks not just excellence but the enduring legacy of a proud and resilient people.
Having joined the East Africa community in 2023, this is more than a political move; it is a historic opportunity for their people to contribute even more powerfully to the development and unity of the East African region.
He also added that “the Somali people are a proud and resilient people —shaped by centuries of nomadic adaptations — to innovate and, above all, to rise, no matter the odds, bold vision, and their relentless pursuit of excellence.
The bustling streets of Mogadishu to the thriving neighbourhoods of Eastleigh in Nairobi, innovative tech startups, and construction companies to digital influencers are shaping the core of this resilience, which is the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Somali identity.
According to Ridwan Yusuf, founder of The East Africa Somali Awards, it is very important to recognise successful entrepreneurs and experience huge business growth for the economic impact of the region, and it also creates a platform for networking .
BBS Mall CEO Munir Ahmed opined on the importance of governments in the region to create a conducive environment for business to thrive through facilitation of infrastructure and gazette policies that are favourable to entrepreneurs .
This comes at a time when businesses are facing infrastructural and policy challenges in the region. Bishar Dhere, founder and CEO of Lions Villas, has urged entrepreneurs to leverage technology with the fast pace and ever-evolving technological advancements globally.
This comes at a time when artificial intelligence has not been fully embraced by businesses.
He encouraged the society to debunk the idea that AI will compete with humans for the existing jobs; in return, it eases operations, and AI is dependent on humans to feed its system .