Young diaspora Somalis rediscovering entrepreneurial roots

 

 Asli and Yassin Ciyow say they want to create a "solid network" of Somali entrepreneurs in the diaspora

Two siblings are on a quest to revive the entrepreneurial streak once associated with Somali communities abroad.

Asli and Yassin Ciyow want to dispel the image that young diaspora Somalis are often unemployed, involved in gangs, or linked to Islamist militants.
The duo, born to a Somali father and a French mother, are bringing together 32 aspiring young British-Somali entrepreneurs to share ideas at a convention in London on Sunday.

It's also about demonstrating to young Somalis the possibilities open to them in the world of start-ups”

Asli Ciyow

The gathering will build on the "enterprising nature" of Somalis and "showcase a new wave of young Somalis getting the start-up bug", says Asli Ciyow, 27.

She began planning the Fiiri Bandhiga convention almost a year ago and came up with the idea while she was organising a separate charity event to build water wells in Somalia.
"I noticed there were a number of keen young Somalis from the UK and across Europe who were offering their services and skills.
"It was at that moment I suggested to my brother, 'Why don't we actually put a select group of young people, from across the diaspora, and who are already running their businesses, in touch with each other?'"
Her younger brother was happy to help and they now aim to organise the convention once a year.
It is not just about networking and "exchanging skills", Ms Ciyow says.
"It's also about demonstrating to young Somalis the possibilities open to them in the world of start-ups and getting the younger ones to start thinking early about their future."
They intend to reach "many second-generation Somalis" growing up in various Western countries by rotating the convention between cities in the UK, Europe and the US.