About this opportunity
The Africa Jobs Fund, with the Somali Diaspora Business network SDRB, has opened a business plan competition for entrepreneurs who want to build productive, export oriented businesses that create high quality jobs and raise incomes in Somalia and its regions. Applications opened on 5 October 2026 and close on 6 November 2026.
The prize is a funding ladder rather than a single cheque. Stage one is winning the competition, where the winner receives $20,000 to get the business started.
Stage two is a pilot worth up to $100,000, and the page is clear that all strong projects, not just the winner, will be considered for investment to develop a pilot. Stage three is scale, a potential pathway to scale up investment of up to $1,000,000 for a successful pilot.
You do not need a running company to enter. The call accepts anything from an early stage venture to a well researched idea, states that prior traction is not required, and says what matters is the quality of the opportunity, your connection to Somalia, and your ability to execute.
Somalis and members of the Somali diaspora are highly encouraged to apply even if they are not currently based in Somalia or its regions. The apply button on the Africa Jobs Fund competition page opens the application form, and the window shuts on 6 November 2026.
What you receive
- $20,000 seed award for the competition winner
- Consideration for pilot investment of up to $100,000 for all strong projects
- A potential pathway to scale up investment of up to $1,000,000
Who can apply
- Entrepreneurs building productive, export oriented businesses connected to Somalia and its regions
- Entries can be an early stage venture or a well researched idea, prior traction is not required
- Somalis and members of the Somali diaspora are highly encouraged, including those not based in Somalia
- Assessment rests on the quality of the opportunity, your connection to Somalia, and your ability to execute
How to apply
- Open the Africa Jobs Fund competition page for the AJF and SDRB call
- Use the apply button, which opens the application form
- Submit your business plan before the closing date of 6 November 2026
Sources and verification
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