Empowering Youth through Entrepreneurship: A Story of Hope in Mogadishu
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Meet Adan Sheikh Ali, a man whose life took a transformative turn thanks to a motorbike. This very motorbike not only lifted him out of unemployment but has also become a crucial means of supporting his family. Adan’s story is just one amongst a series of inspiring transformations unfolding in Mogadishu, where a unique approach to entrepreneurship is revitalizing the lives of countless youth.
In recent times, a groundbreaking initiative led by a Somali returnee has been changing the narrative for unemployed youths in the city. Abdullahi Ahmed Jilacow, who returned from Germany after a long 15-year stint abroad, has set up Al Baraka Bajaj—a company offering affordable loans and rentals of Bajaj motorbikes to those in need. At a time when traditional banks have halted their motorbike loan services, this venture is filling a crucial gap.
Abdullahi’s company has already facilitated the purchase or rental of motorbikes for 200 young individuals—many of whom are also returnees. “It’s not just about making money. It’s about creating opportunities,” he shares. With flexible payment plans and minimal bureaucratic hurdles, obtaining a motorbike is within reach. Prospective buyers need only provide a driving license and a guarantor, often a parent. For those opting to rent, there’s even consideration for those days when illness may strike, allowing them to not have to pay for the time lost.
“When I see someone who couldn’t provide for his family now blossom into a provider, it brings me fulfillment,” Abdullahi tells Radio Ergo. “These individuals are not only regaining their dignity—they’re starting to save and build futures.” Imagine a person who once felt hopeless, now proudly stating, “I can support my family because of this motorbike.” It’s more than just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of hope, ambition, and resilience. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, opportunity can emerge.
Take, for example, the journey of Liban Ali Ibrahim, a 42-year-old father of 13. Since January, he has been earning between $30 to $40 daily by driving a motorbike in the District of Twenty in Banadir region. “To be productive is to live,” he asserts. The financial burden of supporting two wives and 13 children previously left him reliant on the goodwill of relatives. Now, he has enrolled four of his children in school, managing to pay $90 monthly for their education and living expenses.
“When a person works, they contribute to their community,” Liban explains. He acknowledges, “Without this job, there would be no life.” His struggles, compounded by the demands of two families, could have easily buried him in despair, yet he stands resilient, emphasizing the value of work in not just sustaining life, but enriching it. Moreover, navigating the complexity of Mogadishu’s traffic management system, which regulates motorbike access on alternate days, Liban has found a way to not only survive but to thrive. He saves between $180 to $200 monthly—money he hopes to reinvest in a future venture, potentially creating more job opportunities for others. “The youth,” he states, “are our future. They hold the key to this country’s transformation.”
Meanwhile, the story of Aden Sheikh Ali is one of determination and resilience. After purchasing a motorbike valued at $4,500 on credit, he now earns a steady profit, repaying only $10 a day. Once a resident of South Africa for 12 years, Aden lost everything during a crisis that saw his shop looted. Returning to Somalia with just $700, he faced desperation as unemployment loomed large. “I contemplated migrating again,” he admits, referring to possible journeys to Libya or Saudi Arabia in search of opportunity.
However, the motorbike deal has brought him financial independence—a lifeline for his wife, six children, and mother. “Now, I earn more than I did in South Africa. I’m surrounded by my family. It’s a different kind of joy,” he reflects. The burdens of bills and responsibilities that once weighed heavily on his shoulders now feel manageable. “This job has ignited ambition within me,” he asserts, “and I know there’s no better place than home.”
In a world that often feels divided and chaotic, stories like those of Abdullahi, Liban, and Aden serve as beacons of hope. Their experiences reiterate that with determination, community support, and a little entrepreneurial spirit, lives can be transformed. The youth of Somalia are now bearing the mantle of hope for a brighter future, armed with opportunities that make a difference in their communities. As we reflect on these narratives, one can’t help but ask: How can we further support such initiatives to ensure that the cycle of empowerment continues?
When we foster an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive, we not only uplift individuals but entire communities. What does it mean to be part of a solution that fosters hope? Perhaps the answer lies in valuing and promoting sustainable means of living for those around us.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
