Launch of Africa House in Hargeisa

The launch of Africa House marked the very first Business Incubator and Entrepreneurship Development Centre in the Somali Regions. In collaboration with several partners including the Cheetah Group, SMART, Collert Consultancy, Nomadswater, the Fayo Foundation and the Horn Resource Centre, Africa House officially opened its doors on the 6^th of April in Hargeisa. The opening event also served as an opportunity to launch the new Business Incubator which provides services to help lower the operating costs of start-up businesses.  Africa House welcomed over 150 guests including international and local NGO’s, the private sector, University students, politicians, parliamentarians and many more. The centre serves as a sustainable business friendly space where companies can pool their resources and share costs. For start-up enterprises, Africa House represents a business hub where start-ups can share office space and facilities are shared as well as organise meetings and conferences. They can participate in Business and Entrepreneurial skills training, receive coaching and mentoring and join business networks and associations. For SME’s the centre provides business development services, technical assistance and market intelligence. It also aids to create partnerships and joint ventures with other local entrepreneurs as well as European businesses. Additional coaching is provided for SME’s by experienced EU business experts to support further development of these young enterprises.

The opening of Africa House and the establishment of the first Business Incubator in Somalia has been well received by the community and aims to make a significant impact on the development of this region. During the opening a discussion was held amongst the honorary guests and participants on the services and goals of Africa House. The Minister of Industry, Shucayb Mohamed Muse who officially closed the event, asserted his support and endorsement of the Business Incubator, expressing his desire to be involved in the implementation and development of Africa House. The centre has already successfully supported the establishment of 10 start-up enterprises. Africa House also invests in students, giving recent university graduates in Hargeisa internships and work placements as well as access to information and its other facilities. The community of Hargeisa expressed great enthusiasm for the positive influence and the created opportunities it will bring for young Somali entrepreneurs. The expectations for the success of Africa House are high that there will be continued support for growing businesses that generate employment, sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the economic development of the region.