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Maan-Maal Launches: The First-Ever Somali Entrepreneurship Reality TV
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Thursday June 26, 2025
On Sunday, 22nd June 2025, Somalia witnessed a historic milestone as Maan-Maal, the first-ever Somali entrepreneurship reality TV show, was officially launched in Mogadishu. The evening marked a celebration of bold ideas, youth potential, and inclusive innovation, with more than 300 guests in attendance including government ministers, private sector leaders, academia, youths, civil society, and the media. A bold national movement transforming ideas into enterprises, empowering youth and women, connecting Somali talent with investors, promoting public voting and shared ownership, and building a resilient economy—one idea, one pitch, and one investment at a time.
From Ideas to Impact: A National Movement is Born
Maan-Maal, meaning “Resources of the Mind,” is not just a reality TV show—it is a bold national movement. The program discovers and nurtures Somali entrepreneurs from all walks of life, offering business training, coaching, mentorship, national exposure, and access to investors. Contestants will compete for equity investment and public support through live televised pitches, creating a participatory model that turns the spotlight on Somalia’s homegrown solutions.
In her keynote address, Dr. Sadiyo Siad, CEO, Co-Director, and Executive Producer of Maan-Maal, stated:
“We are shifting the national narrative, from survival to innovation, from dependency to opportunity. Maan-Maal is built by Somalis, for Somalis, and with Somalis. It is a platform for youth, women, refugee returnees, and underrepresented entrepreneurs to rise and reshape our future.”
Partner Endorsement: Salaam Somali Bank Leads the Way
One of the program’s strongest financial sector supporters, Salaam Somali Bank, emphasized the importance of aligning finance with grassroots entrepreneurship.
“Maan-Maal represents the future of Somali enterprise—bold, innovative, and community-driven,” said Dr. Said M. Abukar, CEO of Salaam Somali Bank.
“At Salaam Somali Bank, we are proud to support this initiative that aligns with our mission to empower individuals, strengthen local businesses, and drive national development through ethical and inclusive finance.”
Diverse Voices from Across Sectors
The event featured powerful reflections from influential leaders across key sectors:
– Mr. Mohamud A. Gabaire: President, Somali Chamber of Commerce & Industry
– Dr. Ahmed Khadar A. Jama: CEO, Somali Bankers Association
– Prof. Ahmed Gacal Arabow: Representative, Association of Somali Universities
– Ms. Qadro Raage: Representative, Somali Women in Business
– Mama Sahra Ahmed: Representative, Somali Civil Society (Non-State Actors)
Each speaker voiced strong support for Maan-Maal’s inclusive approach, highlighting its focus on empowering youth, uplifting women, and reaching innovators in underserved and rural communities.
Government Support: A Nation Invests in Its Entrepreneurs
The launch was further elevated by speeches from key government leaders:
– H.E. Omar Ali Abdi – State Minister of Defence
– H.E. Mahamud Aadan Geesood – Minister of Commerce & Industry
– H.E. Salah Ahmed Jama – Deputy Prime Minister, Federal Republic of Somalia
The Deputy Prime Minister praised Maan-Maal as a strategic platform for national development, calling it “a beacon of economic empowerment and social cohesion.”
Key Highlights from Keynote Speeches
– H.E. Salah Ahmed Jama – Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia
“We are full of ideas — what we need is investment.”
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the abundance of untapped creativity and entrepreneurial spirit among Somalis, stressing that strategic investment is the missing link to unlock national potential. His message reinforced Maan-Maal as a timely platform that bridges visionary ideas with real-world opportunity.
– H.E. Mahamud Aadan Geesood – Minister of Commerce and Industry
“Maan-Maal will boost youth employment, strengthen national security, grow the economy, reduce irregular migration, and tackle drug use, this is not just a show; it’s a solution.”
The Minister highlighted the program’s far-reaching impact on Somalia’s socio-economic landscape, commending Maan-Maal for addressing key national priorities through innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth.
Mr. Mohamud Abdikarim Gabeyre – Chairman, Somali Chamber of Commerce & Industry
“We need a new generation of entrepreneurs from grassroots communities. Somalis are natural risk-takers—Maan-Maal gives them a chance to shine.”
“Dr. Sadiyo’s leadership is unwavering. From her early work with Hano Academy to Maan-Maal, she has consistently believed in the potential of Somali talent.”
Mr. Gabeyre celebrated the resilience and ambition of Somali entrepreneurs, especially those from underserved communities. He praised Maan-Maal for creating a national platform for innovation and acknowledged Dr. Sadiyo’s long-standing commitment to youth and work empowerment and enterprise development.
Get Involved: Public, Diaspora, International & Private Sector Engagement
– Watch & Vote: Public voting will be open throughout the series; your voice helps decide the future of Somali enterprise.
– Diaspora Connection: Diaspora communities are invited to invest, mentor, and co-create with emerging entrepreneurs.
– Global Participation: International supporters, investors, and innovation partners are encouraged to join the movement and contribute to sustainable growth.
Partnership Opportunity: Government institutions, development partners, corporates, and foundations can support through funding, technical assistance, and ecosystem-building.
What’s Next
Applications are now open for all aspiring entrepreneurs across all Somali regions and the diaspora and will close on 25th July 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will enter an exciting journey of business development, capacity-building, investment, and national exposure. The televised show will air nationwide, accompanied by digital engagement, public voting, and live community events across all Somali regions.
Apply Now: Apply Here
About MAAN-MAAL
Maan-Maal is the first-ever Somali entrepreneurship reality TV show, spearheaded by Hano Connect, Maan-Maal Media Production, Masrah Media, Hano Academy, and Hano Technical University. The program discovers and empowers Somali entrepreneurs through training, coaching, mentorship, investment, national exposure, and post-show incubation and accelerator support, ensuring that ideas are not just pitched, but transformed into viable, scalable businesses.
As part of this support, tailored services are provided in human resources, digital marketing, sales and business development, technology, finance, accounting, and auditing. In addition, workspace and warehouse facilities are offered to create an enabling environment where startups and growing businesses can thrive. The goal is to remove operational barriers and accelerate entrepreneurial success across Somalia.
Maan-Maal is more than just a TV show, it is a national platform for rebuilding Somalia through enterprise, community, and creativity. Maan-Maal shifts the narrative from dependence to dignity, from unemployment to innovation, and from aid-driven development to locally driven solutions.
By empowering Somali entrepreneurs to become job creators, not just job seekers, Maan-Maal aims to unlock the country’s greatest resource: its people.
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