Nairobi will host GSEF 2026 on October 24–25, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders to explore opportunities for Somali business growth.
The Global Somali Entrepreneurship Forum will take place at Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill, with a focus on investment, innovation and regional trade.
GSEF 2026 aims to connect Somali entrepreneurs with investors, diaspora networks and strategic partners to strengthen access to regional and global markets.
Nairobi will host the Global Somali Entrepreneurship Forum (GSEF 2026) on October 24–25, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, innovators and business leaders to explore investment opportunities and strengthen business partnerships.
The two-day event, scheduled for the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi Upper Hill, will focus on advancing Somali entrepreneurship and building connections with regional and global markets.
According to the organisers, the forum will provide a platform for entrepreneurs to engage with potential investors, business partners and institutions supporting private sector development across Somalia and the wider East African region.
Participants are expected to include startup founders, business executives, government representatives, development partners, financial institutions, chambers of commerce and members of the Somali diaspora.
Entrepreneurship and startup development, investment promotion, SME competitiveness, innovation and digital transformation are among the forum’s focus areas. Regional trade, public–private partnerships and the economic empowerment of women and young people will also feature.
The gathering comes as GSEF seeks to strengthen collaboration between businesses and institutions, connecting entrepreneurial ideas with financing, expertise and market opportunities.
Diaspora engagement is a central part of the forum’s mission, with the platform seeking to connect Somali professionals and investors abroad with opportunities that support business development and economic growth.
For entrepreneurs, the Nairobi event is intended to offer opportunities to build networks, exchange knowledge and explore partnerships. Investors and participating institutions will have a platform to engage with founders and business leaders across the Somali entrepreneurial community.
Describing its ambition as “More Than a Summit. A Movement,” GSEF says its work extends beyond the annual gathering through year-round dialogue, regional cooperation and strategic partnerships.
The organisation identifies sustainable economic development and a stronger, more inclusive private sector as key goals of these engagements.
Registration for GSEF 2026 is open through the forum’s registration portal.