The conversation about Africa is shifting from one of “deficits” and “gaps” to one about opportunities, prospects, ventures and creativity. That’s not news to companies that have paid close attention to the continent and invested there. The fast growing youth population, the urbanization expected to drive over 50% of Africans to cities by 2050, and Africa’s formalizing economy are all well known. These trends and other developments have driven a half century or more of growth in Africa, and will continue to do so.
Huge investment opportunities in Somaliland through Guul Group
Guul Group, a commercial conglomerate that runs a range of services – from agro-processing to transport and logistics, construction, fisheries, import/export, and business consultancy is the best bridge to business and investment in Somaliland. Guul Group provides specialist complementary; conduit, consulting, contracting and facilitation services delivered using effective, world-class communications tools.
Important areas of investment opportunities:
Housing sector:
The housing sector is vital for every society particularly those coming out of prolonged conflict .The cities of Berbera , Erigavo , Las Qoray , Las Aanod and Burao face huge shortages of affordable housing with the widest gap existing in Hargeisa and Berbera where the returning Diaspora and employees need affordable housing .
Guul Group : Young entrepreneur abandons life in the West to spearhead investments in Somaliland
What is it that is driving the prosperity in this island in a region torn apart by decades of political and social upheavals?
No single factor is responsible, but peace, stability, a patriotic citizenry, and functioning civil service have all contributed. But arguably the most important development has been the return of hundreds of Diaspora ‘Somalilanders’ who have abandoned life in the West to set up business in the country.
Mr Mahamed-Guled, is one such returnee. After several years living in the West , Guled decided to follow his dream of playing a part in the economic development of his ancestral land. In Somaliland he and a small team of young people floated the Guul Group, a commercial conglomerate that runs a range of services – from agro-processing to transport and logistics, construction, fisheries, import/export, and business consultancy.
The rise of Africans Investing in Africa (AIA)
This article previously appeared on Huffington Post and is published with permission.
“Africans Investing in Africa is the best way forward for Africans to have ownership of their development process” write Ibrahim Sagna &Jacqueline Muna Musiitwa. “With a market place of over one billion people and all associated opportunities, there is little excuse not to invest!”
Foreign firms are not the only ones heavily investing in Africa’s numerous opportunities, shows the “Africa attractiveness survey 2013, getting down to business” published by Ernst & Young (E&Y). Increasingly, Africans, who were previously Missing In Action (MIA), are becoming Africans investing in Africa (AIA). Investments range from individuals in Africa, the diaspora, the private sector, governments, multilaterals and even social enterprises.
Raising funds through a diaspora network
Diaspora opportunities in Horn of Africa
Photo courtesy of Albany Associates
by FREDDIE DAWSON editorial@pathfinderbusiness.comAs the first part of its series looking at the impact of worldwide diasporas, PathfinderBuzz examines the impact that dispersed former Somalis have had on the country of Somalia and the semi-autonomous region of Somaliland.
The Somali civil war caused an exodus of people from the region. But returning stability coupled with increasing wealth from natural resources has brought some back.
Returning diaspora are bringing seed money for new ventures, skills and expertise picked up from other business climates, and an appetite to do things in a better way.
WLSC Recognises Guul Group as its 2013 Business Category Achiever
LONDON (Somalilandsun) – Guul Group a UK and Somaliland registered company has been recognized as the 2013 achiever in the business category by the West London Somaliland Community-WLSC.
The 5th Somaliland Community Achievement business category for 2013 was presented to the Guul Group Chief Executive officer Mr. Mohamed Guleid at a colourful and high profile event hosted by WLSC at Brunel University in London
Speaking to Somalilandsun after the receiving the award the youthful Guul Group CEO said,
Untapped Investment Opportunities in Africa
The raggedy cargo truck drives onto the ferry which immediately sinks deeply into the water, only seemingly buoyed by the grace of mother nature. The truck appears misplaced on the ferry, but locals assure me that this is the cheapest and quickest route to the final destination. “This is Africa” is often an overused phrase, but this truck is a microcosm of the continent’s transport and logistical challenges (and subsequent investment opportunities).
It is an often overlooked fact, but only about 30% of African roads are paved, and 50% remain in “poor condition,” according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It is this reality that makes shipping cement from Shanghai to the shores of Djibouti about 60% cheaper than shipping from Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa to neighboring Djibouti by road. This statistic does not indicate better things for ports. The same UN report estimates that Africa’s ports productivity is mere 30% of the international norm. This is logistics in Africa. But why?
Why Invest in Somaliland?
“Dr M A Omar Trade & Foreign investment Minister
“Because Somaliland is open for business as well as its well-established peace and stability as well as its economic potentials that remain untapped thence very lucrative for investment both foreign and local” Trade and foreign investment minister
By: Yusuf M Hasan
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – Somaliland is signaling to all potential investors that it is “open for business,” having progressed from a post-conflict situation to a state of political stability and sustainable economic development. Underpinned by this transformation, Somaliland is now firmly in a period where it is able to encourage foreign investment.
Shirkadda Tamarta Sterling oo ku soo Biirtay Baadhista Shidaalka ee Blooga Oodweyne
Guul Group aad iyo aad aya usoo dhawaynaysaa heshiiskan oo larajaynayo in Somaliland faaido badan kusoo kordhinkarta. PetroSoma iyo Sterling Energy waanu ku faraxsanahay, waanu la shaqaynaynaa, waanu la dadaalaynaa.
London() War maanta laga soo saaray suuqa ganacsiga saamiyada ee London ayaa shaaca ka qaaday in shirkada tamarta Sterling ay heshiis la gashay shirkadda Petrosoma,heshiiskaas oo shirkadda Sterling u ogolaanaya inay hesho 10% wada shaqaynta iskaashiga shirkadaha Genel,Jacka, Petrosoma ee Balooga Oodweyne.
Guul Group to Handle Pontus Marine Fisheries Investment Portfolio
By: Abdirahman YonisAhmed Abdulqadir
Somalilandsun – Due to The Development of the country, Pontus Marine Limited which is Somaliland’s First global Fishing Company with its aim of focusing on supplying quality fishery to domestic and overseas market Welcomes Local Investment Participation to Somaliland.
Speaking to Somalilandsun Mr. Ahmed Abdulqadir Ahmed Public and Communication Manager to Pontus Marine said that Their Company is launching a Development Program to the Country towards Fishing Opportunities