Abdihakim Mohamed Ismail, Founder and CEO of Hadiid Industry Group, delivered an inspiring speech titled, “Overcoming Challenges Facing Innovation and Youth Employment,” at the Entrepreneurs and Professionals Summit. Drawing from his own experiences in building one of Somalia’s leading industrial companies, Abdihakim shared valuable insights into the obstacles he faced and how perseverance, innovation, and a strong work ethic helped him overcome them.

He emphasized the importance of hands-on skills, urging the youth to not only focus on theoretical knowledge but to also develop practical expertise that can drive innovation and open doors to new opportunities. Abdihakim encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to remain resilient in the face of adversity, adapt to changing market conditions, and take calculated risks to achieve their business goals. He highlighted the critical role of industries like Hadiid in contributing to Somalia’s economic growth and stressed the need for continuous skill development to remain competitive in the evolving job market.

Finally, Abdihakim called on Somali businesses, government entities, and educational institutions to support youth empowerment initiatives and collaborate in providing platforms where young innovators can thrive. He assured the audience that Hadiid Industry Group would continue to back initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, youth employment, and industrial growth in Somalia.