A guide in Africa

Why investors in frontier markets need someone to show them around

CARDBOARD BOXES are not sexy. But they are useful: imagine trying to shift a lorryload of eggs from farm to shop without packaging. Because boxes make it easier to move things around, they allow shops to stock a wider variety of goods at lower prices. So to run a cardboard-box factory in Africa is to put more and better food on African plates.

The Riley Packaging plant in Uganda is quite a sight. From wall to wall and floor to ceiling, it is crammed with vast rolls of paper. A visitor feels like an ant gazing at stacks of toilet rolls. A management consultant might ask: why does Riley need to keep so much inventory—three months’ worth—heaped idly on the floor? Surely there are better uses for the firm’s capital? read more

Guul-Group Bridges Investor- Investment Opportunity Gap – Featured on Horn Newspaper

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Guul-Group Bridges Investor- Investment Opportunity Gap

“We have facilitated lucrative deals for foreign and Diaspora investors within various sectors in Somaliland” – Mahamed Liban

By: Yusuf M Hasan

HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – Consultancy services by Guul Group Company has made blind investment in the country a thing of the past.

Foreign and Diaspora investors are now making knowledgeable decisions through services provided by Guul Group-GG company registered in Somaliland with partners in the UK.

According to the Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mahamed-Guled Liban, his GG Company has so far facilitated numerous investment services to Diaspora Somalilanders as well as foreigners wishing to invest in-country. read more

Attracting foreign investors – Residential and commercial real estate booms in Hargeisa

Despite the investment opportunities, many international investors remain hesitant to enter a market that has witnessed instability for so many years. But for local investors, construction is the safest and best proven way to make a profit, said real estate agent Nassir Hussein.

“You see we do not have Citibank or Barclays and the only safe venture for locals to invest in is land and property,” he told Sabahi.

Ahmed Abdi, an economist who teaches at the University of Hargeisa, says Somaliland provides a multitude of opportunities for any foreign investor armed with the right information. read more

HAPPY, HEALTHY & WEALTHY 2013 from GUUL GROUP

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Guul Group: HAPPY HEALTHY WEALTHY 2013

Wishing you all a HAPPY, HEALTHY & WEALTHY 2013. #GuulGroup#investment opportunities; #Somaliland & potentially #HornOfAfrica #business

Somaliland administration to simplify business regulations

Merchants display their wares in Wahen Market in Somaliland's Gaan Libah district. The Somaliland administration is working to make it easier for entrepreneurs to start businesses there. [Barkhad Dahir/Sabahi]The Somaliland administration is working to simplify policies governing investment and business creation as part of its efforts to strengthen trade and attract foreign and local investors.

The Somaliland Investment Guide, developed in partnership with the Somaliland Ministry of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, will be a clearinghouse of economic, legal, regulatory and investment information for local, diaspora and foreign investors.

“We will create a website to collect information about investment, available opportunities, where to invest and pertinent information so foreign and diaspora investors and citizens can easily obtain information to help them make decisions any time,” said Mohamed Saleban, director of planning and statistics at the Somaliland Ministry of Commerce. read more

Somaliland’s returning Diaspora proving to be a dynamo for development

Somaliland

Somalis living in Somaliland are rightly proud of their track record on democracy over the last couple of decades. This last week has seen yet another significant milestone, with local elections passing off peacefully and with a high turnout. International observers, including representatives from Progressio (http://www.progressio.org.uk/content/somaliland ) and Somaliland Focus (http://www.somalilandfocus.org.uk/ ) have been favourably impressed by the degree of democratic engagement and minimal irregularities. Somaliland’s continuing spirit of calm, is just one of a number of reasons why economic activity has increased apace in recent years. The country’s strategic location coupled a general improvement in the international climate locally has helped foster a greater appreciation of Somaliland’s potential. Diaspora communities in the UK, USA, the Netherlands and Scandinavia, as well as Australia and New Zealand have maintained strong ties and there is increasing evidence of Somalis being eager to return to play a constructive role. Private enterprise is fast proving to be the dynamo of the economy. Mahamed Liban, the founder of Guul Group (http://www.guulgroup.com/) is typical of the bright, articulate members of the Somali Diaspora who are returning in droves, eager to share their knowledge and skills. Liban, one of an increasing number of British Somali entrepreneurs, is upbeat about the prospects for his Hargeisa-based company; “We have already been approached by a number of foreign investors, namely from Australia and the UK and Guul Group is well placed to facilitate commercial activity by drawing up on market insight, local knowledge and contacts. The company provides investment opportunities with the aim of attracting and working with foreign investors and strategic alliance partners on projects in Somaliland and potentially other Horn of Africa markets.” In common with other returning members of the Diaspora he recognizes that even as a Somali there is need for considerable readjustment; “Culture is enormously significant and so for someone who has been away for two decades, much will seem alien and so a measured approach is best.”. Liban is candid when talking about the challenges new businesses face; “…many returnees and foreigners have a distinct lack of local knowledge and market insight. It is important to remember that what might work or sell in Europe or the US will not necessarily work or sell here.” The fact that Somalis are happy to embrace new technology is an added draw and this will be further encouraged by the fact that the country is currently being connected to fibre optic cables. Economic development is well under way and there is increasing body of evidence to suggest that many foreign, Diaspora and local investors are going to achieve that thing they are all seeking, namely ‘Guul’ (meaning ‘success’ in Somali). read more