Deadline: November 6, 2026
Applications are open for the AJF × SDRB Somalia Business Plan Competition 2026. The Africa Jobs Fund (AJF) and the Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank (SDRB) are looking for ambitious founders and operating teams ready to build the next generation of Somali export businesses.
You may already be running a company, developing an early-stage venture, or starting with a well-researched idea. Prior traction is not required. What matters is the quality of the opportunity, your connection to Somalia, and your ability to execute. They highly encourage Somalis and members of the Somali diaspora to apply, even if you are not currently based in Somalia or its regions.
Areas
They are interested in productive and export-oriented businesses across areas such as:
- Agriculture & agro-processing: Including sesame, honey, bananas and other crops.
- Livestock & meat processing: Including abattoirs, cold chain, packaging and halal-certified products.
- Fisheries: Including cold storage, processing, canning and refrigerated logistics.
- Natural products: Including frankincense, myrrh, gum arabic and camel milk.
- Light manufacturing & consumer products: Products made in Somalia for regional and global buyers.
- Export infrastructure & enabling services: Including testing, certification, packaging, logistics and quality assurance.
- Other productive businesses; Any business with a credible path to exports, job creation and higher incomes.
Prizes
- Seed the project. The winner receives $20,000 to get the business started.
- Up to $100,000: Prove it works. All strong projects, not just the winner, will be considered for investment to develop a pilot.
- Up to $1,000,000: Build at scale. A potential pathway to scale-up investment for a successful pilot.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- Have a connection to Somalia
- Be prepared to commit full-time to building the venture
All regions of Somalia are eligible.
They are looking for founders and teams who:
- Have identified a credible productive, export-oriented business opportunity
- Show strong judgment, initiative and ability to execute
- Understand the most important assumptions, risks and unanswered questions behind the business
- Are committed to building and operating the venture, not only advising it
- Can explain how the business could create meaningful economic value and high-quality jobs
Application
You will need to submit:
- Applicant and team information
- A description of your connection to Somalia
- A concept note of no more than two pages
- CVs for all core founders or operating team members
- A one-minute introduction video
A pitch deck or detailed financial model is not required. If you already have one, you may include it instead of the concept note.
For more information, visit AJF × SDRB Somalia Business Plan Competition.
