Dahabshiil Group and Shaqdoon Shaqdoon Organization jointly sponsored this years (2018)Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)in Somaliland , the event which is an international initiative that introduces entrepreneurship to young people in six continents. GEW emerged in 2008, as a result of Enterprise Week UK and Entrepreneurship Week USA 2007. Since its creation, more than 10 million people from roughly 170 countries have participated in entrepreneurship-related events, activities and competitions during GEW.
Currently, 165 countries celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week running national campaigns that generate approximately 35,000 events.
The event was jointly organized by the Dahabshiil Group of Companies and Shaqdoon Organization occurs over the span of one week was marked in various location across Somaliland and final festal culminating in an grand event held at the Hotel Mansoor which attracted the participation of thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers, educators, entrepreneurship support organizations and interested individuals. Among the various participating youth entrepreneurs, many of which have been efficacious in their distinct and respective innovations.
Dahabshiil Group of Companies, comprising of Dahabshiil Money Transfer & Dahabshiil Bank International and Somtel Telecommunications, Edahab and MicroDahab-finance. Dahabshil Bank International (DBI), provide tailor- made services for local and personal banking needs and currently offer different products for local businesses including investment and MicroDahab finance for local businesses. The investments department of DBI since its inception shows an increase in participation in local businesses.
Mr. Mohamed Hassan, the executive-director of Shaqdoon Organization speaking during the event said,” I would like to use this opportunity thank Dahabshiil Group of Companies notably Dahabshiil Bank International for not only sponsoring this year event but for stepping up support for youths through funding their startups.
Mr. Abdiqani Diriye , head of projects at Shaqdoon lauded Dahabshiil Bank International for providing funding to micro, small and medium enterprises founded by youths. He added that the programme has also helped young entrepreneurs invest money they receive in legal businesses that uplift lives of people in rural areas, especially poor households.
Mr. Omer Sheik, the managing director of Dahabshiil Bank International speaking during the function elaborated on the importance of programme which is an international initiative that introduces entrepreneurship to young people, “We are helping our clients with products they need to transform their lives and the fortunes of their communities in socially responsible ways,”
He added, through such initiatives Dahabshiil is turning around the lives of many unemployed youth in Somaliland, Somalia and beyond. Mr. Omer Sheik said empowering youth will help reduce poverty and create opportunities for them to participate in development projects.
Out of the dozen applicants who took part in the Dahabshiil-sponsored entrepreneurship competition two teams who emerged the winners scooped prize of $6000 and were awarded the sum of $3000 dollars each.
