AJF × SDRB Somalia Business Plan Competition 2026

Applications are open for the AJF × SDRB Somalia Business Plan Competition 2026, an initiative supporting entrepreneurs and business founders interested in building productive, export oriented businesses in Somalia. The competition is organised by the Africa Jobs Fund (AJF) in partnership with the Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank (SDRB).

The initiative seeks ambitious founders and operating teams with credible business opportunities that can strengthen Somalia's productive economy, expand exports, create high quality jobs and increase incomes. Applicants may already be operating a company, developing an early stage venture or preparing to launch a business based on a well researched opportunity. Previous business traction is not required.

The competition is particularly relevant to Somali entrepreneurs and members of the Somali diaspora, including those currently living outside Somalia. Applicants from all regions of Somalia are welcome, provided they can demonstrate a connection to the country and are prepared to commit full time to building the proposed venture.

About the AJF × SDRB Business Plan Competition

The competition brings together two organisations working to support economic development and private sector growth in Somalia.

The Africa Jobs Fund is a philanthropic venture builder focused on creating high productivity jobs across Africa through export manufacturing and international labour mobility. It works with entrepreneurs to develop commercially viable businesses and provides capital and operational support to promising ventures.

The Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank is Somalia's national development finance institution. It supports economic recovery, private sector development and sustainable growth through development finance and partnerships.

Through this competition, both organisations aim to identify entrepreneurs capable of developing businesses that transform local resources into products and services for regional and international markets.

The initiative focuses on practical business opportunities rather than ideas that exist only on paper. Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of the market, production requirements, potential customers, operational risks and the steps needed to establish the business.

Competition Benefits and Funding

Selected entrepreneurs can access several forms of financial support as their business ideas progress.

1. US$20,000 seed funding

The competition winner will receive US$20,000 to help get the proposed business started. This funding is intended to support the initial development and establishment of the venture.

2. Pilot investment of up to US$100,000

Strong projects, including those that do not win the main competition, may be considered for investment of up to US$100,000 to develop and test a pilot.

This provides an opportunity for promising founders to demonstrate whether their proposed business model can work in practice.

3. Potential scale up investment of up to US$1 million

Businesses that successfully demonstrate the viability of their pilot may have a pathway to receive further investment of up to US$1 million to expand operations.

This is a potential investment opportunity rather than a guaranteed award. Access to additional funding will depend on the project's performance, feasibility and subsequent investment assessment.

4. Business development and investment opportunities

The initiative also provides a route for entrepreneurs to engage with experienced business builders and investors. Selected ventures may benefit from further assessment, guidance and support as they develop their commercial models.

Priority Business Sectors

The competition is interested in productive businesses with credible export potential. Priority areas include:

Agriculture and Agro Processing

Businesses that transform agricultural products into higher value goods for domestic, regional and international markets.

Potential opportunities include sesame processing, honey production, banana processing and other agricultural products.

Livestock and Meat Processing

Businesses that improve the processing, preservation, packaging and distribution of livestock products.

Examples include abattoirs, cold chain systems, meat packaging facilities and halal certified products.

Fisheries

Entrepreneurs can propose businesses that improve the processing, preservation and export of fish and other marine products.

Relevant opportunities include cold storage, fish processing, canning and refrigerated logistics.

Natural Products

This category covers businesses that develop commercially viable products from Somalia's natural resources.

Examples include frankincense, myrrh, gum arabic and camel milk products.

Light Manufacturing and Consumer Products

The competition welcomes businesses that manufacture products in Somalia for domestic, regional and international customers.

Proposals should demonstrate how local production can meet market demand and create employment.

Export Infrastructure and Enabling Services

Businesses that strengthen the systems required to prepare and deliver products to international markets are also encouraged.

Examples include product testing, certification, packaging, logistics and quality assurance services.

Other productive business opportunities may be considered if they demonstrate a credible route to exports, job creation and higher incomes. The listed sectors are not exhaustive.

Who Can Apply?

The competition is open to founders and operating teams who meet the following conditions:

• Have a connection to Somalia.
• Be prepared to commit full time to building the proposed venture.
• Have identified a credible productive and export oriented business opportunity.
• Demonstrate initiative, sound judgement and the ability to execute.
• Understand the major assumptions, risks and unanswered questions associated with the business.
• Be committed to building and operating the venture rather than serving only as an adviser.
• Explain how the business can create economic value and quality employment.

Application Requirements

Required application materials include:

• Applicant and team information: Details about the main applicant and other members of the founding or operating team.
• Connection to Somalia: An explanation of the applicant's personal, professional or other relevant connection to the country.
• Business concept note: A document of no more than two pages describing the proposed business opportunity.
• Team CVs: CVs for all core founders or operating team members.
• One minute introduction video: A short video introducing the applicant or team and the proposed business opportunity.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on the eligibility of the applicants, the quality of the proposed opportunity and the ability of the founding team to execute the business plan.

The assessment will consider:

• Founder capability: The team's initiative, judgement, commitment and ability to build and operate a business.
• Commercial opportunity: The strength and credibility of the proposed market opportunity.
• Export potential: The potential to produce goods or services for regional and international markets.
• Economic contribution: The likely impact on job creation, incomes and productive activity in Somalia.
• Business feasibility: The team's understanding of operational requirements, risks and key assumptions.
• Execution readiness: The ability and willingness of the founders to commit full time to developing the venture.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interviews and asked to provide additional information. Final selections will follow further review and due diligence.

How to Apply

Interested entrepreneurs should submit their applications through the official Africa Jobs Fund competition page.

1. Review the competition requirements: Confirm that you have a connection to Somalia and are prepared to commit full time to building the venture.
2. Identify a business opportunity: Develop a productive business idea with a credible path to exports, job creation and higher incomes.
3. Prepare the concept note: Write a document of no more than two pages explaining the business opportunity, target market, products or services and potential economic impact.
4. Prepare team information: Gather the details of the applicant and all core founders or operating team members.
5. Update team CVs: Prepare CVs highlighting relevant experience, skills and capabilities.
6. Record the introduction video: Create a one minute video introducing the applicant or team and explaining the proposed business opportunity.
7. Submit the online application: Visit the official Africa Jobs Fund competition page and complete the application form with all required information and documents.
8. Monitor your email: Shortlisted applicants may receive interview invitations and requests for further information.