Written by The Africa Jobs Fund (AJF) and the Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank (SDRB) have opened applications for the 2026 Somalia Business Plan Competition, which will award $20,000 to the winning entrepreneur developing an export-oriented business connected to Somalia.
The competition targets entrepreneurs who want to build businesses that process local resources, supply international markets and create jobs in Somalia and its regions.
Applications are open to founders with an established company, an early-stage venture or a well-researched business idea. Previous business traction is not compulsory.
Benefits
The competition offers a funding pathway for entrepreneurs looking to develop and expand productive businesses.
- $20,000 prize: The winner will receive funding to help start or develop the proposed business.
- Pilot funding: Promising projects may be considered for investment of up to $100,000 to test their business models.
- Potential scale-up investment: Businesses that successfully demonstrate their models could access a pathway to up to $1 million in further investment.
The pilot and scale-up funding are not guaranteed grants. They depend on further assessment and the project’s performance.
Business areas eligible for the competition
The organisers are seeking businesses with credible opportunities to export products or services. Areas of interest include:
- Agriculture and agro-processing, including sesame, honey and bananas.
- Livestock and meat processing, including cold-chain services and packaging.
- Fisheries, including fish processing, cold storage and refrigerated logistics.
- Natural products such as frankincense, myrrh, gum arabic and camel milk.
- Light manufacturing and consumer goods.
- Export support services, including testing, certification, packaging, logistics and quality assurance.
Other productive businesses may also be considered if they demonstrate a credible route to exports, job creation and higher incomes.
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Have a connection to Somalia.
- Be prepared to commit full-time to building and operating the proposed business.
- Identify a credible, productive business opportunity with export potential.
- Demonstrate the ability to execute the business plan and understand its key risks.
- Explain how the venture could create jobs and economic value.
Somalis living abroad and members of the Somali diaspora are encouraged to apply. Applicants do not have to be based in Somalia, but their proposed ventures must be connected to Somalia and its regions.
Required application materials
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Personal and team information.
- An explanation of their connection to Somalia.
- A concept note of no more than two pages.
- CVs for the core founders or operating team.
- A one-minute introduction video.
A pitch deck or detailed financial model is not compulsory. Applicants who already have a pitch deck may submit it instead of the concept note.
How to apply
Interested entrepreneurs should visit the official Africa Jobs Fund opportunity page and complete the application form.
- Review the eligibility requirements and the business areas of interest.
- Prepare the concept note, team CVs and one-minute introduction video.
- Complete the online application with accurate information about the proposed business and its connection to Somalia.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Application deadline: November 6, 2026.
Apply through the official Africa Jobs Fund × SDRB Somalia Business Plan Competition page.
Selection process
Applications will be assessed based on the strength of the business opportunity, the founders’ ability to execute, the potential to create jobs and increase incomes, and the credibility of the proposed approach. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews or asked to provide additional information.
The competition is organised by the Africa Jobs Fund in partnership with the Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank.