In the Spotlight: Some enterprising women entrepreneurs from Somalia
#SomaliWomenRise #EmpowerHerAfrica #HornOfHope #SheMeansBusiness
We are looking at a nation defined by resilience, rich tradition & untapped economic promise – Somalia, often referred to as the “Horn of Africa”. While it has long battled conflict, instability & poverty, a new generation of Somali women entrepreneurs is quietly but powerfully shaping the country’s future. From bustling markets in Mogadishu to small businesses in rural towns, women are stepping up – not only as contributors to the economy, but as changemakers in their communities.
Yet, the path is far from easy. In Somalia’s patriarchal society, women face deeply entrenched social and cultural constraints, limited access to finance & a lack of supportive infrastructure. Traditional norms often hinder women’s ability to secure loans, develop credit histories, or access formal banking systems. In many cases, their entrepreneurial journeys begin out of necessity, but grow through grit and vision.
Somali Women Redefining Entrepreneurship
But, despite these challenges, Somali women are proving that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for transformation. Whether in food service, trade, agriculture, or livestock, they are generating income, creating jobs, and paving the way for future generations. With increased global and local recognition of their potential, there is a growing push for tailored financial services, mentorship & inclusive policies.
Now, it is time to spotlight the unstoppable force that Somali women represent – not just as survivors, but as builders of a more equitable, prosperous Somalia – rising beyond the Horn’s horizon.
- Samira Mohamed, Founder, Samira Soomaal
When Samira Mohamed was 14 years old, her family left Somalia, as it was to escape from war. But after 21 years in Sweden, she came back to find that the country was rising from the ruins. She decided things had to change and, she also wanted to be part of the change.
She launched her company – Samira Soomaal, which is the only manufacturer of dairy product such as cheese, butter, whip-cream, and yogurt in Somalia. Her company’s name refers to the process of ‘milking animals’.
She sources her milk from local farmers who herd cows, goats & camels. Her goal was also to help signify employment opportunities for the locals, as well as help boost the economy by sourcing her milk from local farmers.
She was thrilled when she realized that she was first on the local cheese and dairy market. It was during the drought that it hit her that one must make use of all available resources. She was able to mix in a Swedish perspective too, on the market in Somalia, and used it efficiently to run a company that also empowers women, along with a well-founded environmental perspective.
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=115290513207186&id=115203033215934&_rdr
- Rhoda Elmi, Founder, Elmimedic
Rhoda Elmi is a pharmacist and had the background of having been a pharmacy manager in Gothenburg.
Being a member of the Somali diaspora in Sweden, she founded ElmiMedic in Hargeisa, Somaliland. ElmiMedic’s core business is focused on pharmaceuticals (both prescribed and over-the-counter medicines), and health-related products. As they grew, they have also expanded their product range to include – hygiene, beauty products and more.
So, armed with only her vision, a strong determination she launched ElmiMedic in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s biggest city in 2013. Soon, the company got a footing in the market, thanks to the quality of the products she shipped from Sweden. In 2018, she applied the Somali Swedish Business Programme (SSBP) which fortunatley considered her business and also extended a fund – about $20,000 to expand her business.
Her business thus expanded. They also supply pharmaceutical goods to neighboring towns of – Borama, Burao and even to Somalia’s capital city Mogadishu. Tapping into the growing market for pharmaceutical products, her plan is – to spread her business across the country and in Jigjiga too, a city in the Somali region of Ethiopia.
Her firm belief is that health is a prerequisite when building a sustainable society, especially for women and youth. So, she wants to import medicine in order to improve the quality of life in her country.
https://se.linkedin.com/in/rhoda-elmi-65136758?original_referer
- Muna Magan, Founder, Riyan Organics
Muna Magan’s business is all about skin care and cosmetics. She founded Riyan Organics, a young independent health and beauty label, which produces 100% natural products. This business has a unique combo – it has been inspired by ancient traditions, packaged, marketed and delivered using modern science, product distribution and marketing techniques. The basic idea is that – beauty products should be made from pure, natural, sustainable and ethical ingredients.
The business is based in Hargeisa, Somaliland and Gothenburg, Sweden. The Riyan Organics brand, believes that business can be a “source for good” also.
She admits that the SSBP programme – the training and mentorship really benefitted her business.
https:// https://www.instagram.com/munamaganofficial/ https://www.facebook.com/riyanorganic/
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/muna-magan-051b5019?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
- Khadija Omar, Rage 3K
Khadija Omar founded Rage 3K, which is into paint production and sales. It is quite different that in Somalia women primarily operate in the informal economy, and only a few are registered ‘business’ women.
Her aspiration in life was to become a role model as a business manager and hire women to improve their lives. This she achieved, for the reality is that people in Somalia have to repaint their houses every three months since the paint doesn’t stick. So, she and her brother developed paint that is better suited to the Somali climate. She strongly feels that it will save people time, money and also be environmentally sustainable. https://forumciv.org/int/latest/5-somali-entrepreneurs-who-dare-invest
Avtar Madan
Shree Lahiri
Himanshu
