The Global Somali Entrepreneurship Forum (GSEF) is set to return to Nairobi for its third edition on 24–25 October 2026. The event will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, business leaders, and development partners. This year's theme, “Shaping the Future of East Africa through Innovation, inclusive governance, regional integration, and sustainable investment,” will explore connections between entrepreneurship and private-sector investment. GSEF aims to connect entrepreneurs to capital, ideas to opportunity, and Somalia's growing private sector to the wider East African market.
GSEF Director of International Relations & Partnerships, Farhiya Farah, emphasized that GSEF is about moving beyond conversations to connections. The forum will feature B2B and investor matchmaking, startup and business showcases, networking opportunities, and engagement between entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, and development partners. This year's program comes with growing attention on regional economic integration, cross-border investment, technology, and the role of diaspora capital in supporting growth in the private sector.
The forum will explore how diaspora capital can be mobilized through blended finance and creating more investable opportunities, alongside Somalia's future within the East African economic landscape. GSEF has grown from an emerging Somali entrepreneurship platform into a wider regional forum connecting business, policy, investment, and innovation. The 2025 edition highlighted youth entrepreneurship, diaspora investment, innovation, climate resilience, and the importance of creating a stronger enabling environment for businesses to grow.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale celebrated the innovative spirit and resilience of Somali entrepreneurs, highlighting the rising generation of young people developing solutions to regional and global challenges. He also reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to championing youth-driven innovation as a cornerstone of shared prosperity. IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Ware highlighted the importance of banking on diaspora capital to boost investments.
Mohamed Ware noted that capital is dispassionate about emotional things such as patriotism and country, focusing only on risk and return on investment. The forum will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya. GSEF 2026 aims to build on the success of previous editions, providing a platform for entrepreneurs and investors to connect and grow.
The event is expected to attract a large number of attendees, including entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and business leaders. The forum will provide a unique opportunity for networking and engagement between stakeholders. GSEF 2026 will focus on practical solutions to support the growth of entrepreneurship and private-sector investment in East Africa.
With its growing reputation as a leading platform for entrepreneurship and investment, GSEF 2026 is set to make a significant impact on the East African economic landscape. The forum will provide a platform for Somalia to engage with the wider East African market and explore opportunities for growth and development. Key stakeholders will gather to discuss the future of entrepreneurship and investment in the region.
Key points
- The Global Somali Entrepreneurship Forum (GSEF) will take place on 24–25 October 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.
- GSEF aims to connect entrepreneurs to capital, ideas to opportunity, and Somalia's growing private sector to the wider East African market.
- The forum will explore how diaspora capital can be mobilized through blended finance and creating more investable opportunities.
