The Jamhuriya Incubation Center (JIC) proudly participated in the 2nd Workshop on Capacity Development for Start-ups and MSMEs in Somalia, held in Nairobi, Kenya, under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s YEPS II Project.

Representing JIC, our Director, Mohamed Abdi Elmi, joined representatives from government institutions, business support organizations, financial institutions, banks, and development partners from across Somalia’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. The workshop provided an important platform for stakeholders to exchange experiences, share insights, strengthen institutional capacities, and explore practical approaches to supporting the growth and sustainability of start-ups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Somalia.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in discussions and learning activities covering key areas of entrepreneurship development, business support services, and ecosystem mapping. These sessions provided valuable insights into identifying the needs and challenges of start-ups and MSMEs, understanding the roles of different ecosystem stakeholders, and strengthening collaboration among institutions working to promote entrepreneurship and private-sector development.

An important component of the workshop was the opportunity to visit businesses and innovation hubs in Nairobi. These visits offered practical exposure to how enterprises operate, develop their business models, navigate challenges, access support services, and pursue growth opportunities. They also provided valuable opportunities to learn from established business support structures and explore approaches that could be adapted to the Somali context.

For JIC, participation in this workshop represents an important opportunity to strengthen our institutional capacity and continuously improve the support we provide to Somali entrepreneurs and emerging businesses. The knowledge, experiences, and practical lessons gained will contribute to enhancing our entrepreneurship training, business incubation, mentorship, start-up development, and MSME support services.

As an institution committed to empowering young people through entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills development, JIC recognizes the importance of building a strong and connected entrepreneurship ecosystem where aspiring entrepreneurs can access the knowledge, guidance, networks, and resources they need to transform their ideas into sustainable businesses.

We remain committed to applying relevant lessons from this experience to strengthen our programs, support emerging enterprises, encourage innovation, and expand opportunities for Somali youth to establish and grow successful businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s economic development.

We sincerely appreciate JICA Kenya and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry – Federal Government of Somalia for organizing and supporting this valuable capacity-development opportunity. We also appreciate all participating institutions and ecosystem stakeholders for their contributions, knowledge-sharing, and commitment to advancing entrepreneurship and MSME development in Somalia.

Together, through knowledge-sharing, institutional collaboration, and continuous capacity development, we can build a stronger entrepreneurship ecosystem and create sustainable economic opportunities for Somalia.