Somalia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is attracting growing attention as founders develop businesses in technology, agriculture, financial services, education, logistics, renewable energy and other sectors.
From small businesses serving local communities to technology startups building solutions for wider African markets, entrepreneurs are finding new ways to address everyday challenges and create employment.
But having a promising business idea is only the beginning. Many founders need practical training, experienced mentors, access to funding, business networks and guidance on how to turn an idea into a sustainable company.
This is where startup accelerators and incubators in Somalia come in.
Business incubators typically help entrepreneurs develop ideas, validate their products, establish business operations and find their first customers.
Accelerators generally work with startups that are ready to grow, helping them strengthen their business models, attract investment and expand into new markets.
In this guide, we explore the most relevant accelerators and incubators for startups in Somalia in 2026/2027, explain the types of support they offer, highlight funding opportunities to investigate and provide practical advice on applying successfully.
Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur in Mogadishu, a technology founder in Hargeisa, a small-business owner in another Somali city or a member of the Somali diaspora planning to build a business locally, this list will help you identify promising starting points.
Also check: List of Accelerators and Incubators for Startups in Zimbabwe (2026/2027)
List of the best startup accelerators and incubators in Somalia
The organisations below offer different forms of startup support. Some have structured incubation or acceleration programs, while others focus on entrepreneurship training, business development, mentoring, innovation and investment readiness.
1. Jamhuriya Incubation Center (JIC)
Incubation and acceleration
The Jamhuriya Incubation Center, established by Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology, is one of the most direct starting points for young entrepreneurs seeking structured startup support in Somalia.
Its entrepreneurship program includes three stages: pre-incubation, incubation and acceleration. Participants can work on idea development, market validation, business planning, minimum viable products, financial management, marketing and investment readiness.
JIC also offers innovation challenges and hackathons, alongside programs related to artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, digital skills and women-led business development. Its official website describes the entrepreneurship program as free of charge for Somali youth.
Best for: Idea-stage founders, young entrepreneurs, technology innovators and early-stage businesses.
How to apply: Visit Jamhuriya Incubation Center and review the current programs and application instructions. Confirm the eligibility criteria for your chosen program.
2. Innovate Ventures
Technology startups and investment
Innovate Ventures is a Somali startup accelerator and early-stage investment initiative focused on technology-enabled businesses. Its flagship Innovate Accelerator Programme has been described as an intensive three-month program combining mentorship, startup development and funding.
The organisation’s published profile highlights support for Somali founders through an expanding network of entrepreneurs and mentors.
For founders building a digital product, the opportunity to combine business guidance with investor exposure can be particularly valuable.
Best for: Technology startups, digital platforms, fintech businesses and founders developing scalable solutions.
How to apply: Visit Innovate Ventures to check current program announcements, investment criteria and application availability. Confirm whether a new cohort is accepting applications for 2026/2027.
3. HarHub
Incubation and business support
HarHub is an innovation hub based in Hargeisa that supports entrepreneurs and business owners through incubation, training, mentorship, networking and business development services.
Its published incubation program describes an 8–12-week training period, coaching, pitching opportunities, crowdfunding access and possible investment between $2,000 and $10,000 for selected ventures. The program also describes post-program mentoring and access to workspace and business services.
Funding is conditional on program selection and applicable investment arrangements; it should not be interpreted as a guaranteed grant.
Best for: Early-stage founders, small-business owners, entrepreneurs seeking business development support and ventures preparing for investment.
How to apply: Visit HarHub’s incubation program for program information and application instructions. HarHub operates in Hargeisa, Somaliland, so applicants should check location, residency and business registration requirements.
Also check: List of Accelerators and Incubators for Startups in Uganda (2026/2027): Funding & How to Apply
4. iRise Hub
Innovation and entrepreneurship
iRise Hub describes itself as an innovation and entrepreneurship hub supporting Somali entrepreneurs, technology talent and innovators. Its approach includes design-thinking skills, collaboration, tailored programs and support for developing practical solutions.
It is also one of the three participating incubators identified by the Somali BIC Network Hub, a platform designed to connect incubators, startups and ecosystem partners.
Best for: Technology entrepreneurs, innovators, social-impact ventures and founders who want to connect with the Somali startup ecosystem.
How to apply: Visit iRise Hub and enquire about current incubation cohorts, entrepreneurship training, mentoring and partnership opportunities.
5. SIMAD iLab
University innovation hub
SIMAD iLab is an innovation and entrepreneurship hub associated with SIMAD University. It supports technology, innovation and entrepreneurial learning, making it worth investigating for founders who want to develop ideas within a collaborative learning environment.
The Somali BIC Network identifies SIMAD iLab as one of its participating incubators, alongside iRise Hub and HarHub.
UNIDO
Best for: Student entrepreneurs, technology founders, early-stage innovators and people interested in entrepreneurship education.
How to apply: Explore SIMAD University and ask about iLab activities, upcoming startup programs, innovation competitions and eligibility for non-students.
6. Center for Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation (CCEI)
Entrepreneurship education
The Center for Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation at Mogadishu University supports creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation through activities intended to help participants turn ideas into viable ventures.
Its website highlights innovation activities, entrepreneurship workshops and student-focused competitions. In September 2026, it reported the conclusion of an eighth cohort of its “Beyond the Classroom: Preparing Students for the Future of Work” initiative, which included an innovation competition.
Best for: University students, aspiring founders, young innovators and entrepreneurs looking to strengthen their business skills.
How to apply: Visit CCEI at Mogadishu University and check the latest announcements about cohorts, competitions and startup support.
7. Somali Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (SIED)
Business incubation services
SIED offers a startup incubation service designed to help entrepreneurs establish and develop their businesses. Its published service description includes workspace, business planning, financial management, marketing, operational guidance, legal and administrative assistance, mentorship and connections to potential investors.
These services can be useful for founders who need help with the practical details of setting up and running a company, not just preparing a pitch.
Best for: New businesses, early-stage entrepreneurs and founders who need support with business setup, operations and investment readiness.
How to apply: Visit SIED’s startup incubation page and contact the organisation to confirm program availability, location, costs and current intake requirements.
8. Maan-Maal
Entrepreneurship and investment pathway
Maan-Maal presents itself as an entrepreneurship platform combining business development, coaching, mentorship, investment opportunities and public visibility for Somali entrepreneurs.
Its published model includes an Entrepreneur Track for early-stage ideas and a Growth Track for businesses seeking to expand. It also describes pitch coaching, a Hano Leap Accelerator Bootcamp, potential seed funding and post-show incubation. Its website identifies Salaam Somali Bank as its investor for 2025.
Best for: Aspiring founders, entrepreneurs with promising ideas and existing small-business owners seeking to grow.
How to apply: Visit Maan-Maal to check the next season, eligibility criteria, application deadlines and terms associated with funding or investment. Confirm whether a 2026/2027 intake is open.
9. Somali BIC Network Hub
Startup ecosystem directory
The Somali BIC Network Hub is a digital platform connecting incubators, startups and partners in Somalia’s business incubation ecosystem.
It features a startup portfolio, a bilingual Somali-English founder playbook and information about participating incubators, including iRise Hub, SIMAD iLab and HarHub. The platform is connected to the UNIDO project supporting business incubators and micro, small and medium-sized enterprise creation in Somalia.
Although it is not itself a conventional accelerator, it is a useful discovery tool for finding ecosystem contacts, learning resources and potential support providers.
Best for: Founders searching for incubators, startup networks, entrepreneurship resources and ecosystem partners.
How to use it: Visit Somali BIC Network Hub to explore its startup portfolio, participating incubators and founder resources.
10. Somali SME Development Institute (SSDI)
Enterprise development and investment readiness
SSDI provides entrepreneurship education, SME development support, workforce skills and business advisory services. Its published offerings include business plan preparation, bookkeeping, access-to-finance readiness, marketing, digital skills, investment readiness and SME mentoring.
SSDI also describes an Enterprise Innovation Hub intended to support high-potential startups through structured incubation, mentoring and business development.
Best for: Aspiring entrepreneurs, established small businesses, cooperatives, women and youth-led enterprises, and startups preparing for growth.
How to apply: Visit SSDI to review its programs and ask about current incubation cohorts, advisory services and eligibility.
11. Arkaan Innovation Hub: New Public-Private Partnership
Arkaan Innovation Hub is a newer entrant that gained visibility in April 2026 when UNDP Somalia and the Hormuud Salaam Foundation launched the “Accelerating Socio-Economic Development in Somalia” project, with Arkaan listed as a key implementing partner .
What it offers: Support for youth employability, local business development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in green and blue economies, with a strong emphasis on women’s socio-economic empowerment. The project uses a localized Public-Private-Community Partnership approach .
Who it’s for: Early-stage entrepreneurs and youth-led ventures, particularly those building in green and blue economy sectors. Women-led businesses are a priority demographic.
How to apply: Contact Arkaan Innovation Hub directly for information on programs under the UNDP/Hormuud partnership. Announcements are also made through UNDP Somalia’s channels.
12. Shaqodoon: SME Coaching and Business Support
Shaqodoon is a Somali organization that has been running entrepreneurship and SME support programs across Somalia and Somaliland, often in partnership with international donors. It is not a traditional accelerator but a business development service provider that has worked with hundreds of SMEs .
What it offers: Training in financial management, customer care, and digital marketing; entrepreneurial coaching; acceleration and incubation support; and the Xogsiiye Platform, which provides youth with business registration information, access to finance details, and connections to the Ministry of Trade. The platform has reached 2,114 businesses and youth with information on registration, finance, and tourism .
Who it’s for: Small and medium businesses that need practical business skills and market linkages rather than equity investment. This is particularly relevant for founders building non-tech businesses or early-stage ventures that need foundational support.
How to apply: Monitor Shaqodoon’s project listings for current program windows. Programs are often funded through specific grants and run in defined cycles.
Also check: List of Accelerators and Incubators for Startups in South Sudan (2026/2027)
How to Choose the Right Program for Your Stage
If you are in Mogadishu with an early-stage tech startup: iRise Hub’s Kobciye Program or SIMAD iLab. Kobciye is a structured 10-week acceleration with investment-readiness support; SIMAD iLab offers a longer incubation pathway with university backing and a hackathon pipeline.
If you are in Hargeisa: HarHub. It is the local anchor and now connected to the national network through the BIC Somali Network. For acceleration beyond incubation, look at Innovate Ventures’ programs.
If you need business skills and market linkages more than acceleration: Shaqodoon. The practical training and Xogsiiye platform are valuable for founders who need to formalize and connect to finance.
If you are building in green or blue economies, or are a woman-led venture: Arkaan Innovation Hub. The UNDP/Hormuud partnership explicitly prioritizes these areas.
If you have a working product and are ready for investor engagement: Innovate Ventures. It is the most explicit accelerator-and-fund model in the Somali ecosystem.
If you are at the idea stage: The BIC Somali Network’s partner hubs are your entry point. The project’s introductory training and incubation support are designed for early-stage founders.
A note on verification: Somalia’s startup support landscape is heavily donor-funded and institutionally fluid. The BIC Somali Network was launched in July 2026, and its programs are still being harmonized. Accelerator terms, cohort dates, and funding availability change frequently, and some programs may be cyclical or dependent on grant cycles. The information here reflects publicly available details as of late 2026. Confirm current terms directly with each hub or program before applying, and check that a window is actively open rather than relying on past dates.
Also check: List of Accelerators and Incubators for Startups in Zambia (2026/2027)
