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SOMALIA - The African Phoenix - Recovery and Development Info

130K views 270 replies 35 participants last post by  ModernNomad01 
#1 · (Edited)
Sideway made the suggestion to start a topic in the general forums on the steady recovery of Somalia. I will keep posting new developments.


New Terminal - Progress




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#111 ·
Google Maps Navigation for Android makes its way to 25 more countries



Eager to go on a driving trip to an exotic locale? You'll be glad to hear that Google Maps Navigation is now available in 25 more countries. Most of the additions are in Africa, including Libya, Somalia and Tunisia. The rest of the coverage is scattered across the globe: Caribbean travelers can find their way through Guadeloupe and Haiti, while European visitors can navigate Andorra, Croatia and Serbia. There's even support for relatively remote places like Bhutan and Vanuatu. Maps Navigation still isn't a truly global service when it reaches 99 countries, but it now reaches far enough that it will be a surprise if you can't get your bearings while traveling abroad.

 
#113 · (Edited)
Somalia to rebuild national library



A project has been launched in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, to rebuild the country's national library. Dozens of displaced families had been sheltering inside the building which has been badly damaged by decades of conflict. The project director, Zainab Hassan, told the BBC that thousands of students currently had no access to books. Work on the new complex is expected to be finished in six months' time at a cost of $1m (£600,000).

The money is coming from the Somali government as well as business people and civil society. Already 20,000 books have been donated from the United States and around 60,000 are expected to come from Arab nations. Ms Hassan said she hopes the library will teach people to love reading. She admitted that a large proportion of Somalia's culture and history is oral and has not been documented. "The building should restore Somalia's history for future generations," she said, adding that there was a need for knowledge among Somalis.

Originally built in 1986, the National Library is a colossal 3-floor building located opposite the National Theatre in Mogadishu. Once restoration is completed the library will store book collections in Somali, English, Arabic, Italian and many more languages. - Source
 
#114 ·

Formed just months ago and made up of immigrants who have settled in Borlaenge, a town some 200 kilometers north of Stockholm, the Somalia bandy team is an unlikely tale that has echoes of the 1988 Jamaican winter Olympians immortalised in the film Cool Runnings.

Recruited from a local football club, the team have been taught in a short time to skate and play a game similar to ice hockey but with differences. Bandy is played on a football-sized field, teams are made up of 11 players, a ball is used instead of a puck, the goals are larger and the sticks shaped differently.

The learning curve has been steep and long.

Despite being thrashed by a local side in their first competitive game, earlier this month, the Somalis have cheekily declared themselves African champions for 2013 – based primarily on the fact that no other country on the continent has a team. :lol:
 
#115 ·
The success of the Somali National Taekwondo Team continues



Somali Taekwondo athletes representing the country for the International Schaffhausen Open Championship in Switzerland have won a gold cup and two silver medals adding to their previous honours won in Egypt and Germany earlier this year. Faisal J. Aweys who has been competing in the senior competition has won a Gold cup after winning 3 fights against a German and 2 Swiss fighters. Mohamed Deq Abdule who has been competing in the adult category for the first time thrashed a German fighter in the first round of the fight after the German gave up the fight losing 6-0.
 
#117 ·
Mogadishu — Despite the initial high cost of purchasing a smartphone, Somalis are increasingly paying up for the benefit of instant internet connectivity, making communicating with family members abroad and accessing news and information easier and less expensive than traditional ways of accessing the internet.

"The most expensive iPhones cost $800, while Samsung [phones] are sold for $500, even though there are some that cost more," said 34-year-old Faisal Abdullahi, who owns a mobile phone store in Hamar Weyne Market in Mogadishu. The cheapest smartphones are sold for about $250, he said.

Smartphone sales are steadily increasing, Abdullahi said, noting that his store sold 15 smartphones in 2012, and nearly 100 this year.

Abdullahi said most of his customers ask for smartphones, particularly Samsung mobile phones, which are popular because they are cheaper than iPhones and have more free applications.

"Some of these phones are very expensive even though they are now sold for less than when they first came," he said. "You could look at this as being very expensive, but we sell them constantly."

Lower data usage costs

Abdisalam Warsame, a 20-year-old form one student at Djibouti School in Wadajir district, said he was grateful for his sister in Saudi Arabia who sent him money for a smartphone four months ago.

"I used to go to an internet cafe that charged 18,000 Somali shillings per hour when I needed to use the internet, and it is possible to need it several times a day," he told Sabahi. "I now pay $1 (20,000 shillings) for more than 24 hours on my smartphone."

With internet access on his mobile phone, Warsame said he is now able to stay connected to the rest of the world at all times.

Likewise, 32-year-old Mogadishu resident Yusuf Ibrahim said he has been a frequent mobile internet user for the past five months.

He said this service has made it easier for him to stay in touch with his family members who live in Finland

"I communicate with my wife and children on WhatsApp every day," Ibrahim told Sabahi. "It [feels] as though I am with them, and it is cheaper than speaking to them directly. I used to pay more than $50 before just to talk to them, but I now use less than $10 a month, even though I communicate with them every hour."

Abdirashid Hussein, 35, an employee of the internet and mobile company Hormuud Telecom, said 1 gigabyte (GB) of internet data costs $25, and how long it lasts depends on a person's usage.

Besides Hormuud, Hargeisa-based Somtel is the only other company providing internet access via cellular phones in southern Somalia.

Aweys Abdirahman, a 23-year-old student at al-Imra School in Mogadishu's Hodan district, said modern phones are making it easier for Somalis to stay connected, even though critics argue that young people are too pre-occupied with their smartphones.

Somalia lags behind when it comes to internet accessibility, however the increasing use of relatively low cost mobile internet is helping close the gap year after year, he said.

"In one sense it is not too expensive because the amount of money I am spending to access the internet now is [less than] what I used to spend for calls [alone]," said Abdirahman, adding that he saves money by sending text messages to his friends and family instead of calling.

Faisal Muse Mohamed, a 24-year-old journalist who works for Radio Mogadishu, has been accessing the internet via his smartphone for about a year.

Specifically, he says he uses his Samsung Galaxy to access social media sites such as Facebook, where he goes to socialise and get news.

"I use Facebook the most because you can communicate with friends and stay updated on news and pictures that are posted," he told Sabahi. He said he also uses Whatsapp to communicate with friends because it is inexpensive and does not require a lot of data usage.

Replacing internet cafes

Hassan Mohamed, a 30-year-old Mogadishu resident who studies sociology at University of Somalia, said smartphones are a more private way to access the internet, connect with people and stay informed.

"I now feel that I have the ability to access the internet any time that I need it instead of being dependent on other internet [providers] like before," said Mohamed, who has been using a Samsung Galaxy phone for about seven months.

"I use it to send emails, stay informed about news, and I also use it to download lessons and information from Google and to access social sites," he told Sabahi.
 
#120 ·
LONDON – Soma Oil & Gas Holdings has secured a $50-million equity investment from Winter Sky. This will allow the company to complete the initial stages of an exploration program offshore Somalia, thereby satisfying its obligations to the government of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Soma now aims to finalize a contract with a seismic contractor for a planned 2D exploration program.
 
#122 ·
By Charlie Bartlett

Following the launch of the “Rhino Express” service to Mozambique, CMA CGM has launched a new direct service, “Noura Express” between the Middle East and Somalia.

The service will rotate between Jebel Ali, Khor Al Fakkan, Salalah and Mogadishu, starting on 29 January, deploying 1,854teu of capacity every 21 days, in the form of CMA CGM vessel Kailas.

“We strongly believe in the recovery of the Somalian economy and are proud to launch the Noura Express, offering worldwide connections to and from Mogadishu,” said Mathieu Friedberg, senior vp African Lines CMA CGM. “This is the first milestone of our growth plan in this region and there will be more developments in the months ahead.”

The news follows yesterday’s announcement that CMA Terminals would be buying a 25% stake in the Lekki International container terminal in Nigeria.
 
#123 · (Edited)
Mogadishu — The Benadir regional administration, with support from Somali business owners, is embarking on an ambitious plan to label every street and house in Mogadishu with a name and number within one year, spokesman for the administration Mohamed Yusuf told Sabahi.

The aim of the plan is to bring back the city's beauty, ensure easy postal delivery at residences and enhance security in the capital as Somalis from the diaspora start returning to their homes, Yusuf said.

"We saw the need to have house addresses in Mogadishu because we thought the capital city had a right to become like other cities around the world," he said. "There are also many people returning after twenty or more years to the capital, so it has become necessary to install street names and to ensure every house has an address number so they do not get lost when they are driving in personal vehicles."

Yusuf said this would also help the government's plan to improve security because security personnel will be able to easily locate houses they are looking for when an incident occurs.

The project also supports the issuance of Somali national identification cards to all citizens in that each person's address and identification can be traced if they are wanted in connection to a crime.

"We have planned to conclude this project in a year's time, but it may take more than a year to [number] all the houses in Mogadishu's 17 districts," Yusuf said. "There are 3 million residents in this city, so it is not easy to create addresses for all of them. We will continue until we reach that goal, and security agencies and residents have welcomed it warmly."

The Benadir administration is also planning to create signs for all the roads in Mogadishu. It will begin numbering buildings in the presidential complex and government centres in the coming days, and will then go on to do the same for residential houses in Mogadishu, he said.

To help pay for the endeavour, each house in Mogadishu will be charged $2 for the right to receive a postal address.

"The government should have paid for it, but since the government does not have enough money, we are getting support from the public," Yusuf said.

Ali Mohamud, a 32-year-old sociology student at the University of Somalia, described the plan to label street names and number houses in Mogadishu as one of the biggest developments that has been done so far this year.
 
#125 · (Edited)
Somalis Return to Rebuild Their Country

Bakaara market, Mogadishu's commercial district.

The Somali city of Mogadishu is recovering from years of war. Many Somalis who left the country have returned to seek careers in business or politics. Avi Arditti reports about the experience of those returnees hoping to find success in Mogadishu.

The smell of coffee fills the air at a cafe in the newly rebuilt Makkah hotel in Mogadishu. The hotel is a meeting place for former Somali emigrants who have returned to the city. Liban Mahti is the owner of the hotel and the small eatery.

“This is an old hotel. Not old-old, but it is from the mid-80s.” Liban Mahti returned to Somalia from years in Canada with a plan to fix up the hotel with his family. “During the war it got destroyed. My cousins and I and my uncle got back together and we decided to put back the business together and restart and see what we can make out of it, so here it is 25 years after the war. And it’s a good place and people come here to meet and gather, mainly, most of the ex-pats and some of the Somalis who come back from the diaspora, this is their little Starbucks and place to come to.”



Mr. Mahti is among a growing number of Somali diaspora businessmen who are bringing changes to Mogadishu. Business activity has been on the rise in the city during the past two years. The Somali capital appears to be rising from the ruins caused by 20 years of civil war.

Diaspora politicians make up the majority of the federal parliament. The legislature was established last year. Somalia’s current constitution requires lawmakers to have a high level of education. This is helpful for those who went to school overseas.

“We bring what we can to add to the local culture here, whether its politics or anything else, social services, human rights, all that. There’s many issues when you live abroad, it kind of opens your mind up and you pick them up, and anything bad you leave behind, all the good stuff you bring back home and hopefully contribute.”
http://learningenglish.voanews.com/content/article/1776592.html
 
#126 · (Edited)
Somali Diaspora return, rebuilding homeland



For over two decades, war raged on in Somalia. Its countrymen and women fled and scattered to different parts of the world, where they struggled and established their lives. Today, Somalia enjoys peace, life has slowly returned to normalcy, with improved security facilitated by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) working together with the Somali National Security Forces.

This peace has seen many Somalis return home and participate in the reconstruction of their country. A quick look at the town reveals a booming construction sector and lots of mushrooming businesses.

Naema Adam has set up a brick laying business and is one of the many Somalis tracing their steps back home.

She lived in London for 24 years, having initially gone to pursue her studies in college. The start of the civil war meant she had to stay back in England, from where she completed her university education, got married and had three children. She says her choice of the brick laying business was informed by the visit to Somalia last year, during which she realized the shortage in quality building materials, deciding to move in and fill the gap.

“It was a wild idea for a mother to do this, but I thought it was worthwhile in the end. I had spoken to lots of locals and engineers and I had done some research. I then realized a bricklayer is really needed. Mogadishu is rebuilding, so I decided not to lose the opportunity,” says Naema

She has undoubtedly encountered many challenges, including the high cost of importing machinery. “Another way the government could help is to at least give USA discount on the tax at the port, to make it easier to import machinery and not products and let the people produce the products within the country,” she appeals.




Like Naema, Abdulqadir Abdul, lived in England. He left his country home in Somalia in 1991 and lived in Bristol with his family.

He also came back home just last year to visit family and friends. The visit, initially intended to be a short one extended to two months, during which he discovered a lot of opportunities and decided it was time he returned home. He now runs a barbershop in Mogadishu.

“The difference between Bristol and Mogadishu is huge, both form a social and economic perspective. Currently, breaking into the Mogadishu market is far more challenging due to the effects of prolonged war. However Bristol also had some challenges, the extremely long work hours made it difficult for me to spend time with my family and friends; whereas Somalia is home, and I feel like the struggles and sacrifices, which are faced are far more worthwhile,” he says.

The Somali Federal Government is encouraging Somalis across the world to return home and be part of this reconstruction process. H.E Fawzia Yusuf H. Adam is the Somali Foreign Affairs Minister and says there could never be a better time to return home, than now.

“Am urging the diaspora to come back, as Somalia is currently booming with opportunities. There is now a chance to work without paying tax. Factories and the industrial sector being offered land, hospitality business on the rise. It’s cheaper and more lucrative than ever. There are the benefits that can be gained before restrictions get put in place,” she says.
http://www.thepromota.co.uk/somali-diaspora-return-rebuilding-homeland/
 
#127 · (Edited)
Diasporic youth: untapped asset in rebuilding Somalia

Somali Diaspora

During the last 22 years of Somalia’s civil war, thousands of Somalis fled to neighbouring countries as refugees, and those who were best educated resettled in the western world and in the Middle East. Throughout the civil war, the Somali diaspora population has kept the Somali nation alive, remitting more than $1 billion a year. Today, educated Somalis from the diaspora serve or have served in the highest positions of government; including the former Prime Minister who is a Harvard graduate and a former Professor of Economics at Niagara University. This diasporic population is today estimated at around a million, or 14% of Somalia’s population, making it one of the largest such populations in the world.

Based on literature reviews, the issues surrounding the involvement of the diaspora in their home countries have been studied extensively. These studies have covered everything from the financial remittances sent from abroad to the contribution to development undertaken by the members of the diaspora. In general, the diaspora population is today gradually revealing itself to the international community as a significant player in the affairs of their homeland. This is true, especially given recent examples of members of the various diasporas participating in reconciliation efforts, reconstruction and peace building in Afghanistan, Liberia, Somalia and other countries that are in or emerging from conflict. However, the missing aspect from this study is what contribution the young people living in the diaspora can play in these rebuilding efforts.

I conducted a survey of Somali diasporic youths to fill this missing data on the diaspora. The aim of the research was to find the percentage of educated youths amongst this cohort, the level of education, language fluency and their willingness to return to Somalia. These factors are crucial to identifying the involvement of the Somali diaspora in rebuilding Somalia. Around 700 Somali youths from 38 countries responded to the survey. The data collected shows an untapped resource that the Somali nation could take advantage of as it strives to rebuild itself.

For the purpose of this survey, I defined ‘youths’ as those who are between the ages of 18-28 years old. The average age of those who participated in the survey was 22 years. 52% of the respondents were male and 48% female. 61% of the respondents were born in Somalia, and 19% of them once lived in a refugee camp. 37% of the respondents have been back to Somalia in the last five years. 64% of the respondents are citizens of the countries they currently reside in. Of all the respondents, 41% are fluent in three languages, while 17% are fluent in more than four. 90% of the respondents are fluent in the Somali language.

As pointed out earlier, the level of education of these young people is one crucial factor, if they are to be considered an asset not only by the Somali government but also by the international community during this rebuilding phase. Human capital is a scarce resource greatly needed in all aspects of institution-building and the physical reconstruction of Somalia, but at the same time it is the important variable that is missing. Of all the diaspora youths surveyed, 13% are either still in high school or possess a high school/GED diploma; 30% are still in college; 7% possess an associate degree; 38% have a Bachelor’s degree and the remaining 1% have obtained a doctorate.

Based on this data, 87% of the respondents are either working on a degree or already possess a degree. In addition, since a significant amount of the respondents are still in college, I further surveyed their field of study. From the survey; medicine, engineering, international relations, political science and business were the popular fields of study, even though majors ranging from aviation management, women’s studies and graphic design are also being studied by Somali youths.

Another important factor that the survey was designed to discover was the language fluency of Somali diasporic youth. No matter how educated they are; lack of fluency in the Somali language will significantly hinder the role they can play in the current and future affairs of the Somali nation. In addition, many of the older generation have accused the younger generation, especially those born in the diaspora of forgetting their culture and language. What I found is that Somali youths living in the diaspora are fluent in many languages, since they are scattered all over the globe. According to the survey, they were fluent in thirty different languages in total, with the majority of the respondents being fluent in Somali, Arabic, English and Swahili. But what was surprising was the percentage of youths fluent in the Somali language: 90% of all the respondents are fluent in the Somali language; of these, 70% categorized themselves to be very fluent and the other 30% estimated their fluency to be in the intermediate level. Based on the above results, the Somali language should not pose a hindrance to the role Somali youths in the diaspora can play.





Finally the most important criterion of all: the willingness to return back to Somalia:

“I believe that the instability that created this mass Somali migration has also benefited the country in that so many Somalis in the diaspora were able to receive first world university educations. There is now a Somali professional in perhaps every field. The responsibility and golden opportunity we now have as Somali youths is to pour these skills back into the country that gave birth to us. This very unique and pivotal point in our nation's history can be likened to the state of the British colonies during the time of the founding fathers of the United States. We literally are building a country from scratch. Let's get to it!” – A respondent to the survey.
In this section of the research, the aim was to find the percentage of those willing to return to Somalia. To find this percentage, I divided the respondents into two categories; those who have degrees and those who are still in college. For those who possess a degree—whether an Associate’s, Bachelor’s or a Doctorate—54% said they were willing to go back any time, 46% said they are willing to go back when the security improves. In other words, all of the degree holders’ are planning to one day return to Somalia.

In the second category—those who are still in college—I surveyed their willingness to go back to Somalia after completing their education: 61% said they are willing to go back, 32% said they are willing when security improves, and 6% said they were not willing to return. In addition, in this section I also surveyed their willingness to temporarily return to work and volunteer in Somalia. I asked how willing were they to participate in a programme similar to the United States Peace Corps, whereby Somalis from the diaspora could volunteer and work in Somalia for either a month, a summer, a semester or a full year in a chosen field, depending on their schedule and availability—95% said they are willing to participate in such a programme. Furthermore, I surveyed their interest in running for public office and/or working for the Somali government; 61% responded as interested and 39% as not interested.
Conclusion

All of the above results point in one direction: Somali youths in the diaspora are educated, capable and more than willing to return and partake in the current rebuilding efforts for the future of the Somali nation. However, throughout the survey, the young people did show frustration at not being given a chance and not being taken seriously, even though most think they have something to offer. With the security of the country improving and the diaspora community returning, the new government and the international community need to start establishing direct channels and thereby include the diaspora youths in all facets of nation-building.

Moreover, with the majority of Somali diasporic youth being citizens of their respective countries, this demographic block could potentially act as a powerful lobby group on behalf of the Somali nation. It is now up to the Somali government and the international community to tap into this untapped asset, not only for reconstruction purposes but also in order to modernize the economic, political and social structures that are already in place.
http://www.opendemocracy.net/yasin-ahmed-ismail/diasporic-youth-untapped-asset-in-rebuilding-somalia
 
#128 ·
Indiana University Proffessor Helps Rebuild Somalia


Nur, assistant professor of international business, travels home to Somalia during his summer and winter breaks to teach business management principles to its leaders. Recently, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud invited him to lead a session on resource sharing at a five-day conference about issues that country faces as it rebuilds from years of civil war.



Nur said in the past, this kind of conference would have been held outside of Somalia, and likely sponsored by a non-government agency, so just being able to host it was a big step forward.

“This is the first time the Somali government has had the initiative and the money to put something like this together in Mogadishu,” he said. “This is something most countries take for granted, but it is a sign of progress for Somalia.”

At IU Kokomo, Nur said when many of his students hear about Somalia, they think only of pirates. He educates them to read further, to see what else is happening.

“There has been huge progress since 2006,” he said. “There are a lot of positive things happening.”

Erv Boschmann, interim dean of the School of Business, said Nur shares his insights and research on international business, especially about Somalia, with his fellow faculty and with students.

He said it is critical for people like himself, who were educated outside Somalia, to come back and help their homeland recover from the war.

“The civil war caused a huge brain drain,” Nur said. “Anyone with experience and education left the country. They don’t have the education to do anything. Their business leaders don’t have the theoretical background we have here.”


During his visits each year, Nur consults with businesses, educating executives on how to run a business strategically — which is also what he teaches at IU Kokomo. He has also consulted with the United Nations on developing policy for the country, and sometimes teaches classes at a college founded by the president.

His brother, Mohamoud Ahmed Nur, also was educated outside of Somalia, and is now mayor of Mogadishu, the capitol.

Nur said despite everything that has happened in his country since he left it, he still feels at home there.

“I lived in Somalia for 20 years, and I’ve lived in the United States 28 years, but when I get there, I feel at peace,” he said. “Even though the country was destroyed, I feel tranquil there.”
http://kokomoperspective.com/news/i...cle_a2e6cde8-303c-11e3-95cb-0019bb2963f4.html
 
#129 ·
Somali Diaspora experts develop 3-year strategy for skills transfer to Somalia


The International Organisation for Migration Somalia has brought together 41 Somali diaspora experts from Canada, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, the United States and the United Kingdom to develop a three-year strategy for institutional capacity development in Somalia.

The group, meeting at IOM’s annual Migration for Development in Africa (MIDA) conference, will provide a strategy that will guide IOM’s intervention in capacity development in Somalia over the next three years. MIDA is an institutional capacity-building programme that aims to mobilize competencies acquired by African nationals abroad to address the human resource needs.

At the request of local authorities, IOM currently deploys Somali experts on short-term skills transfer assignments and embeds them within government institutions across the country.

Ali Abdi, IOM Somalia Chief of Mission explains: “Many parts of Somalia are currently affected by a shortage of qualified human resources. Large-scale departures of executives and university graduates have contributed to this shortage. The resulting brain drain heightens the dependency of Somalia’s economy by compelling the country to resort to costly foreign expertise in many areas, which in turn creates a widening vicious circle.”



Nimo Ahmed Mohamoud, a MIDA participant posted at the Ministry of Planning as a Social Sector Adviser, explains: “This strategy primarily focuses on strengthening exit plans. We want to ensure that after we leave, systems do not crash. The institutions should be able to carry forward what we have taught, and improve on it. This has been a challenge in the past. In addition, we intend to improve on service delivery, and to get more women from the diaspora to participate in MIDA.”

Dr Ahmed Omar Askar, another MIDA participant and Hospital Director at the Hargeisa Group Hospital says: “Our deployment is temporary – we are not in the country to replace anyone. For this reason, it is critical that we should have a solid exit strategy, otherwise everything we have accomplished will come to nothing; it will not be sustainable.”

For more information please contact

Frantz Celestin
IOM Somalia
Email: fcelestin@iom.int
Tel. + 254 700 325063.
http://www.iom.int/cms/en/sites/iom...-listing/somali-diaspora-experts-develop.html
 
#130 ·
Simatech deploys their second vessel to Mogadishu

In response to customers request to accommodate the growing interest and market to Mogadishu, Simatech has deployed their second ship MV Sima Pride, a 1200 teu vessel in their Jebel Ali / Mogadishu service. Deployment of this second ship along with M V Ania (1684 teu) which was deployed in Jan 2013 will improve the service frequency to once in ten days.

This new container service of Simatech has come as a great relief to the importers and exporters of Somalia as they are able to transport their cargo safely and speedily. It is a significant step that will support the further development of the Somalian economy.

Simatech is developing a modern container terminal in Mogadishu after a concession contract with Mogadishu port. Simatech also plans to set up a merchant marine academy in Mogadishu to train local youth as skilled seafarers through qualified trainers from abroad in order to create employment opportunity in worldwide shipping companies.

With its head office based in Dubai since 1988 and key regional offices in Singapore, Mumbai, EAF, Simatech focuses on the East-West trade, providing feeder services to ports in the Middle East, India Subcontinent, Asia and East Africa.

http://www.simatech.com/news.php

Simatech Launches Container Feeder Service to Somalia

Simatech is pleased to announce the launch of its feeder service to Mogadishu, the capital and the largest city of Somalia.

This is a new add-on service in the existing vast network of services Simatech is operating in the Middle-East & Africa region.

This is the first of its kind container service to Eastern/Central part of Somalia, directly calling Mogadishu.

At present, it is only Berbera being served with container services in Somalia and with this new container access via Mogadishu, it makes the most convenient, safest, fastest and the most cost effective gate-way for cargo destined to Somalia.
http://www.simatech.com/news/preview.php?id=13&p=&search=#ontitle
 
#131 ·
Somali Government signs landmark coastal protection contract

The Minister of Defense for the Federal Government of Somalia has signed a contract with Dutch Atlantic Marine and Offshore Group to deliver structure, assets and services in order to develop an effective and sustainable Coast Guard in Somalia.

Instituting a Coast Guard is essential for the establishment of the rule of law within Somali waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This contract clearly contributes to the stability and economic recovery of Somalia and is supporting the Country’s Six Pillar Policy.

With its Headquarters in The Netherlands, The Atlantic Marine and Offshore Group and the Somali Government have set out the main objectives for the new structured Somali Coast Guard:
• Monitoring and Surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone
• Patrolling, controlling and securing the Exclusive Economic Zone.
• Securing trade and Ports
• Protecting natural resources
• Protection of fishing grounds from illegal foreign fishing boats
• Prevention of dumping of toxic materials
• Search, Rescue and Anti-Smuggling services

The Atlantic Marine and Offshore Group has developed a series of innovative Long Range Patrol Vessels, equipped with high speed intervention vessels. The Atlantic Marine and Offshore Group will build, maintain and operate the Coast Guard Fleet in compliance with Somali Coast Guard Directorate in a safe, effective and cost efficient manner.

The Atlantic Marine and Offshore Group has developed an education and training programme for the Somali Coast Guard Directorate and will develop a Coast Guard Training Centre to train Somali Coast Guard personnel, security officers and shore based support personnel.

The Atlantic Marine and Offshore Group will aim to hand over all development, training and operations aspects within medium term to the Somali Coast Guard Directorate.

The Atlantic Marine and Offshore Group will operate, on behalf of the authority and administrative command of the Federal Republic of Somalia – Somali Coast Guard Directorate and will adhere to all applicable embargoes and restrictions set by the United Nations.
http://horseedmedia.net/2013/07/30/somali-government-signs-landmark-coastal-protection-contract/

^^

- Initially, six Long Range Patrol Ships with each ship containing 2 High Speed Intervention Vessels will be delivered - the ships will be manned by Somali personnel and have the capacity to stay at sea [patrolling] for 30 days at a time. The first of the patrol ships and its high-speed intervention vessels will be delivered in early 2014. The ships will be provided/part-built by an unspecified Dutch company and a domestic ship maintenance and repair yard will be built inside Somalia.

- An interconnected Radar system will set up along the entire coast; in addition Monitoring Stations and a co-ordination centre will be created.

- Part of the agreement is that 3,000 Somali personnel will be trained who will play an integral part in the set-up and the operations, all tasks and resonsibilities will gradually be handed over to them from the trainers and facilitators.

- The value contract is said to be in the 100's of millions of dollars and for a duration of 5-7 years, by which the deliverables specified in the contract specification will have to be completed. The deliverables include: the creation of the [Navy] organisational structure; the training of the 3,000 Somali personell; the setting up of the radar and monitoring network; delivery and operationalising of the ships; and the construction of the ship repair and maintenance yard.

http://www.z24.nl/ondernemen/nederlandse-opdracht-kustwacht-somalie
http://www.nu.nl/buitenland/3540320/rotterdams-bedrijf-zet-kustwacht-somalie.html

 
#132 ·
I don't think this story has been posted in this thread :cheers:

New Marine Route between Salalah (Oman) and Mogadishu (Somalia) Is Launched


Salalah, (ONA) --- The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has launched a new service between Port of Salalah and Mogadishu. The first vessel carried 1344 TEU to Salalah Port on July 6th, 2013.

The new fortnightly service will take the Somali consignments to different world markets through Salalah Port. The service continues the efforts made to enhance the existing trade between the two countries, which is presently estimated at USD 116 million.

Suban Mahd, Commercial Attaché at the Somali Embassy in the Sultanate said "This is a milestone achievement for the Somali trade in general and the bilateral trade between the Sultanate of Oman and Somalia in particular".

On his turn, Peter Ford, CEO of Salalah Port said "Salalah Port is very happy to be the communication link between MSC and Somalia.

He added that the service would enhance the growing trade between the two countries and provide the Omani factories with competitive edge in the emerging markets.

It is worth noting that MSC, a private company that was established in 1970, is one of the leading shipping companies in the world.

It is also worth mentioning that Salalah Port is known for its strategic location on the main marine route that connects the East and West. The port is considered an ideal port to access MENA and the Indian Subcontinent markets.

http://www.omanet.om/english/0news/viewdetails.asp?id=26461
 
#133 · (Edited)
Somalia is ‘ripe for investment’, says Mogadishu hotel owner



The 20-year long civil war in Somalia makes the country an unlikely investment destination, with its capital city Mogadishu being branded the most dangerous city in the world. However, perceptions are changing with relative calm in Mogadishu and Somalis from the diaspora trooping back home to rebuild the nation. After 17 years in Holland, Abdulkarim Siad decided to move back home and start his own business.Abdulkarim Siad, managing director of Jazeera Palace Hotel

Abdulkarim Siad, managing director of Jazeera Palace Hotel He noticed that after years of war and ruin, Mogadishu was in need of many services and made the perfect place for*investment. Siad told*How we made it in Africa*that although he had no background in hospitality, he chose to invest in the industry because of existing gaps in the market. “I saw the demand to build a proper hotel in Mogadishu. The ‘hotels’ that were in existence were not designed as hotels; offices and residential houses were being converted to operate as hotels.”

In 2010, he began construction of the six floor 70-room Jazeera Palace Hotel in Mogadishu. The hotel, situated 300m from Aden Adde International Airport, began operations last year.
“We have an average of 70% occupancy,” said Siad. “We have so much demand for hotel rooms in Mogadishu. For 23 years there was no construction of hotels in the city. The country is slowly stabilising and becoming more peaceful and is attracting investors and international community workers who need these facilities.”

“Access to supplies for hotel and restaurant services are lacking in the country.” Despite security fears, Siad said he has no regrets about investing in Mogadishu. “Home is the best. If you don’t build your country, no one else will build it, that is why I moved back to Somalia after 17 years in Holland.”


Bakaara Market, Mogadishu's commercial district.


Somalia is ready for investment

The country, he said, is ripe for investment. “It makes a lot of business sense to invest in*Somalia today. Now is the time to invest in Somalia; that is what I believe. Every sector in Somalia is available and open for business and our government is willing to help investors.” He expressed optimism that as investment flows and the economy grows, creating jobs for the youth, terrorism will be neutralised. Siad, who was attending the Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Nairobi,Kenya*this week, said he is planning to build a bigger hotel in Mogadishu to meet growing demand.

“We need to start building a bigger hotel with bigger conference facilities. In two years we will be hosting 1,000 or more visitors in Mogadishu.” The Jazeera Palace Hotel managing director said*entrepreneurship has taught him to face challenges head on. “I have learnt how to deal with challenges. When you become an entrepreneur you have to become aggressive and believe in yourself. Whether it is terrorism, financing or security challenges, you have to be strong and face them head on.”
http://www.howwemadeitinafrica.com/somalia-is-ripe-for-investment-says-mogadishu-hotel-owner/30684/
 
#134 ·
The Vital Role of the Somali Diaspora




Shuraako's mandate is to connect investors with effective businesses and organizations in Somalia. Our ultimate ‘bottom line’: create jobs. There’s no hiding that when we launched the Shuraako program, and said we wanted to promote investment (for-profit and non-profit) in Somalia, the most common response we received was some form of shock, disbelief, and even resistance. Most people simply couldn’t imagine there were business opportunities in Somalia.

Most people that is, except for one crucial exception: the Somali diaspora. When we discuss our program with members of the Somali diaspora – it really resonates. The diaspora, which is located throughout the world (and concentrated in the US, UK, Denmark, The Netherlands, Finland, Canada, and Australia) sees great opportunity in their homeland. They recognize a huge potential for success back home, bolstered by their knowledge of the Somali entrepreneurial spirit, close ties to family and friends, and resounding success stories (see, for instance, our last blog entry ‘Taking Risks,’ which discusses the Coca Cola bottling plant in Hargeisa – built by passionate and determined members of the Somali diaspora).

Diaspora remittances to Somalia/Somaliland are by far one of the largest sources of revenue for the country. Between $1.3 and $2 billion is remitted each year. According to the UK Department for International Development (DfID) around 80% of startup capital for Somali businesses comes from diaspora remittances. As the CEO of Dahabshiil, Abdirashid Duale, said at the Somali Diaspora Agency conference in July, "Diaspora investment is vital to the functioning of the private sector, fostering job creation and up-skilling. Diaspora-led businesses, not only in Somaliland but the whole of Africa, play a crucial role in bringing expertise and investment to the private sector."

The Somali diaspora also possesses unique advantages when it comes to investing in their homeland: broader and deeper knowledge about the Somali culture, investment climate, and networks. All of this in addition to a passionate desire to take risks in order to contribute to the rebuilding of their home country.

Members of the Somali diaspora will recognize that our program title – “Shuraako” – means “partnerships” in Somali. In many ways, the Somali diaspora is one of our most crucial partners. Our mission is to support the incredible initiatives of the diaspora, many of who are already investing in Somalia/Somaliland.

If you are a member of the Somali diaspora, who is investing in your homeland, we want to work with you to:

• Highlight successful businesses and investments: including potentially show-casing your work on the Shuraako website.

• Facilitate connections for you: can we connect you with businesses, organizations, and other investors like yourself, to support your excellent mission of investing in Somaliland and Puntland?

• Learn from you: your efforts are ground-breaking, unique, and forward thinking. Shuraako, the Somali diaspora, and the world, want to hear about the opportunities and challenges you faced, and the important lessons you learned.

• Compile information: Shuraako is a hub of information on investing in Somaliland and Puntland. We have dedicated staff working on compiling this information for you, including on the ground. We also want to compile your lessons and information, so that we can all work together to promote investment and growth in the region.

The Somali diaspora is a crucial key to Somalia’s future and development. We want to work with the diaspora, especially those who are already investing - to demonstrate the opportunities present in entrepreneurial initiatives and businesses in Somalia/Somaliland.

If you are a member of the Somali diaspora, or any other interested stakeholder, we want to hear from you, so that we can support your incredible mission. Contact us.

By Anna Bowden, Associate Director, Shuraako
http://shuraako.org/blog/vital-role-somali-diaspora
 
#135 ·
Dubai Ports World welcomes the introduction of SIMATIC services to link the Jabal Ali and Mogadishu ports




Without container shipping, Somali businessmen operating in Mogadishu have had to resort to using smaller ships to import their goods.

Dubai Ports World (DP World) recently welcomed the announcement of new SIMATIC operated shipping lines recently opened linking the Jabal Ali and Mogadishu ports.

Dubai Ports World (DP World) recently welcomed the announcement of new SIMATIC operated shipping lines recently opened linking the Jabal Ali and Mogadishu ports, describing it as an important step in helping to re-integrate Somalia into the international market.

The company stated that this new line would introduce container shipping to the port of Mogadishu, allowing clients to obtain their products more quickly and more securely.

The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously mentioned the need to develop links between Somalia and the rest of the world to revive the country’s economy and help combat piracy, most recently during a series of Anti-Pirating Conferences hosted in 2011 and 2012.

Muhammad al-Moallem, Senior Vice President and General Ports Manager for DP World, recently stated that “we welcome the introduction of SIMATIC services to be used in helping to connect Somalia to the international market by way of the UAE’s Jabal Ali port. This is an important step in working to speed up Somalia’s economic development.

The move comes as part of an attempt to expand SIMATIC services offered throughout the Middle East and other regions. Sources stated that the use of shipping containers in the Port of Mogadishu would initially occur bi-weekly and would soon increase to weekly.
http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2013/...es-to-link-the-jabal-ali-and-mogadishu-ports/
 
#136 · (Edited)
HARGEISA | Mohammed Adan Sheikh Children's Hospital | Complete

Background info:
The new children’s hospital in Hargeisa was named after Mohamed Aden Sheikh, a Somali doctor. Its construction is being funded by the Associazione Soomaaliya Onlus and now also from the MAS-CTH Onlus.

The main ideas of the project are to combine a modern European concept of a hospital with the local cultural and architectural features, to find low energetic impact solutions, to keep construction costs down and over all to create a pleasant and above all user-friendly space. The architect Giorgio Rosental designed the pediatric hospital, both supervising and directing the work with Claudio Gatti. In order to go ahead with the project the Municipality of Hargeisa has granted a public area of approximately 12.500 square meters situated East of the main public Hospital. The total cost of the operation will be approximately 700.000 euro.

The architectural project, which aims at bringing together modern European conceptions and local construction requirements and materials, has been designed to ensure maximum energy savings, and is characterised by simplicity of use, for both end users and those in charge of running the operation.The roofs will be fitted with photovoltaic and thermal solar panels, which will provide hot water and will partly contribute to the energy requirements of the establishment.
These were the renders of the finished hospital.






 
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