ENTREPRENEURSHIP
In Somalia, around 30% of the youth engage in entrepreneurial activities by starting businesses, but many of them lack the necessary skills and resources. In response, the Jamhuriya Incubation Center, in partnership with the Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology, has launched a completely free-of-charge entrepreneurship program open to all Somali youth who have the passion to start their businesses.
The entrepreneurship program aims to help youth develop an entrepreneurial mindset and skill set. Participants will learn crucial steps for bringing innovations to the market, starting from choosing the best business idea, planning the business, formulating it, raising funds, and launching the business by following the right guidance for the best chance of success. The program consists of three phases: pre-incubation, incubation, and acceleration.
Pre-incubation Phase
In this phase, you will focus on developing an entrepreneurial mindset and generating and validating business ideas. You will explore tools and techniques to generate and develop new ideas, create prototypes for idea testing, and evaluate the feasibility of your business idea.
Incubation Phase
This phase involves testing your business idea through market research, developing a comprehensive business plan, structuring the business, identifying and analyzing the target customer, and creating a minimum viable product (MVP). Additionally, you will learn about financial planning, budgeting, managing cash flow, and developing effective marketing strategies to propel your products to success and solidify your business plan.
Acceleration Phase
In the acceleration phase, you will receive support to scale your business and secure funding through our intensive courses. These courses go beyond the initial business idea and plan, offering support for your entrepreneurial leadership and growing your venture through business acceleration activities, strategic advice, and access to investment. We will help you engage with various funding sources, prepare investor pitches, network, and create investor-ready documents to expedite your readiness for investment and make your business stable and self-sufficient.
INNOVATION CHALLENGE AND HACKATHONS
At JIC, we firmly believe that innovation flourishes when boundaries are pushed. Our Innovation Challenge and Hackathons program is designed to promote creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork among participants. We urge participants to think beyond traditional limits, explore new frontiers, and develop solutions that have the potential to revolutionize industries and change lives. The program is centered on specific themes covering a wide range of topics, including technological innovations, social and environmental issues. Participants are provided with a platform to showcase their skills and the opportunity to receive mentorship, funding, and support to bring their ideas to life. Teams are formed, and each team works intensively over a defined period to brainstorm, design, develop, and present innovative solutions. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast, or a creative thinker, our challenges are open to all. It is a stage where innovators can shine and have their work recognized.
IoT AND AI
In line with our commitment to social responsibility, we offer a completely free IOT and AI program that empowers youth to invent innovative solutions for pressing issues such as climate change, healthcare, urbanization, environmental degradation, and impeded system developments. The training sessions encompass an introduction to IOT and AI, emphasizing practical techniques relevant to market needs and the broader community.
By equipping participants with essential skills, JIC fosters the development of impactful, data-driven tools that promote sustainability and empower communities to enact positive technological change.
DIGITAL SKILLS AND INCLUSION
In Somalia, a significant portion of the youth population lacks the necessary skills for job creation or employment. According to recent reports, nearly three-quarters of Somali youth are off-track in acquiring essential skills needed for the job market. The skills gap encompasses a range of areas, from basic literacy and numeracy to digital skills and job-specific competencies. To tackle this urgent issue, we have partnered with Jamhuriya University of Science Technology to launch a free Digital Skills and Inclusion Program. The program is designed to develop the professional skills of Somali youth to increase their competency in various market industries. The overarching goal of this program is to empower Somali youth by providing them with practical and industry-relevant training that equips them to create employment opportunities. Participants undergo specialized skills training, tailored to meet the demands of the job market. We also train youth to be freelancers to become self-employed and independent contractors. We offer a wide range of programs across various industries, preparing young individuals to work in roles such as:
• Designers • Writers • Programmers • Project Managers •Web Developers
• IT Support Personnel •Digital Marketers • Accountants and bookkeepers
• Data entry and analysis specialists • Software Developers • Digital Communication
• Technicians and so on.
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
Somalia has a notably youthful population, with approximately 75% of its people under the age of 30. Shockingly, statistical data indicates that Somalia ranks among the highest in the world for youth unemployment, with a rate of 19.29%. In response to this pressing issue, we have launched a free Employability Skills Program in collaboration with Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology. The employability skills program is designed to empower young individuals, especially graduates, with the crucial skills and attributes required for success in the workplace. We teach youth the following skills to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and practical job market needs to make them highly competitive and valuable contributors to the workforce:
Our workforce Areas
Personal reflection
Job search skills
Making a good impression in the workplace
Communication skills
CV/Resume writing skills
Interview Skills
Personal and time management
Dealing with job challenges
Rights and responsibilities
WOMENT-LED BUSSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The Women-Led Business Development Program at JIC is a free and inclusive program designed to empower women entrepreneurs in building successful and sustainable businesses. Through tailored training sessions, the program addresses the unique needs of women-led businesses, focusing on skills such as business management, financial literacy, and digital transformation. Participants benefit from mentorship, financing options, and networking opportunities that enable them to develop robust business models and explore new markets.
The program also equips women to leverage online platforms for business growth, fostering their success in today’s digital economy.