Apply Now: Africa Jobs Fund–SDRB Competition Offers $20,000
The Africa Jobs Fund (AJF), in partnership with the Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank (SDRB), has opened applications for the 2026 Somalia Business Plan Competition.
This is an opportunity offering a $20,000 prize to an entrepreneur with a promising business idea focused on export-oriented production and job creation.
The competition seeks ambitious entrepreneurs and business teams interested in developing businesses that process local resources, increase the value of Somali products and connect domestic producers to regional and international markets.
Applications opened on October 5, 2026, and will close on November 6, 2026.
According to the organisers, applicants do not need to own an established company or demonstrate previous business traction to participate. Entrepreneurs with early-stage ventures and well-researched business ideas are also encouraged to apply, provided they can demonstrate a credible opportunity, a connection to Somalia and the ability to execute their plans.
Funding and Investment Opportunities
The competition offers more than a cash prize, with a potential pathway for promising businesses to secure additional investment as they progress from an initial idea to a scalable enterprise.
The winner will receive $20,000 in seed funding to help launch or develop the proposed business. Strong projects may also be considered for pilot investment of up to $100,000, while businesses that successfully demonstrate their potential could access a pathway to scale-up investment of up to $1 million.
The additional funding is not guaranteed and will depend on project quality, successful pilot development and further assessment.
The initiative is designed to help entrepreneurs transform commercially viable ideas into productive businesses capable of generating employment, increasing incomes and strengthening Somalia’s export economy.
Business Areas Eligible for the Competition
The organisers are seeking commercially viable ventures across several productive sectors, particularly businesses that can process locally available resources and supply quality products to international markets.
Areas of interest include agriculture and agro-processing, livestock and meat processing, fisheries, natural products, light manufacturing, consumer goods and export-enabling services.
Potential business ideas could involve processing and packaging sesame, honey and other agricultural products; developing meat-processing facilities and cold-chain systems; expanding fish processing and refrigerated logistics; or producing goods from frankincense, myrrh, gum arabic and camel milk.
Businesses providing export-related services, including product testing, certification, packaging, logistics and quality assurance, may also be considered.
The list is not exhaustive, and applicants with other credible business proposals that can generate exports, create quality jobs and raise incomes are welcome to apply.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to entrepreneurs and operating teams with a credible plan to establish or develop a productive, export-oriented business connected to Somalia.
Applicants must have a connection to Somalia and be prepared to commit full-time to building and operating the proposed venture. Entrepreneurs from all regions of Somalia are eligible.
Somalis living abroad and members of the Somali diaspora are particularly encouraged to apply, even if they are not currently based in Somalia.
The organisers will assess applications based on the strength of the business opportunity, the founders’ ability to execute the plan, their understanding of the venture’s risks and assumptions, and the potential to create meaningful economic value and high-quality jobs.
Required Application Documents
Interested applicants must submit the following information and materials:
- Applicant and team details.
- An explanation of their connection to Somalia.
- A concept note of no more than two pages outlining the proposed business.
- CVs of the core founders or operating team members.
- A one-minute introduction video.
A pitch deck or detailed financial model is not compulsory. Applicants who already have a pitch deck or a detailed financial model may submit it instead of the concept note, according to the competition guidelines.
Selection Process and Deadline
Applications will undergo an initial review to determine eligibility and assess the quality of the business opportunity, the founders’ capabilities and the venture’s potential impact.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews or asked to provide additional information before final selections are made. The organisers have indicated that the application and selection process will be conducted online unless applicants are informed otherwise.
Applications opened on October 5, 2026, with interviews scheduled to begin on October 9, 2026. The final application deadline is November 6, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested entrepreneurs should visit the official Africa Jobs Fund website to review the competition requirements and complete the online application form.
Application link: https://www.africajobsfund.com/opportunities/sdrb-somalia-competition
Applicants are advised to prepare their concept note, team CVs and introduction video before submitting their entries.
The competition is organised by the Africa Jobs Fund, a venture builder focused on creating high-productivity jobs through export manufacturing and international labour mobility, in partnership with the Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank, Somalia’s national development finance institution.
Through the initiative, both organisations aim to support entrepreneurs who can strengthen local production, expand value-added exports and build sustainable businesses that contribute to Somalia’s long-term economic development.
