FORUM PROGRAM September 19 - 21, 2016 Maan-Soor Hotel - Hargeisa, Somaliland
Presented By DEAR SOMALILAND INVESTMENT FORUM ATTENDEE:
On behalf of Shuraako, the Somaliland Ministry of Trade & Investment, and our partners and sponsors, we extend a warm welcome to the Somaliland Investment Forum – Hargeisa (SIF) 2016. The SIF Hargeisa was organized in response to a request from the Somaliland Ministry of Trade & Investment and with encouragement from the private sector. The SIF Hargeisa follows in the footsteps of the 2015 Somali Investment Forum in Nairobi and answers the call from attendees to host a forum in Somaliland. The intent of this forum is to bring together the Somaliland business community including entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, policymakers, and donors, to discuss ways to strengthen private sector growth through investment.
The 2015 World Bank Somalia Economic Update reports that investment accounted for 10% of GDP in Somaliland. The report further estimates Somaliland’s GDP at $1.6 billion in 2012, with livestock and services identified as key drivers of the economy. Growth from investment in Somaliland is well underway yet there remains much room for improvement. According to the Somaliland National Development Plan 2012 – 2016 in Somaliland the private sector is very important, accounting for over 90% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
A 2013 household survey indicated that 16 percent of rural and 21 percent of urban households received remittances. Most were used for consumption. While spending remitted funds fuels the economy, unleveraged remittances are not sustainable. However, this is beginning to change as increasingly diaspora are seeing opportunities to shift at least a portion of their funds to invest in such things as real estate and businesses that provide both employment and a return on investment.
In 2015-16, Shuraako conducted a survey of diaspora reaching 11 diaspora cities in 8 countries through focus groups and individual interviews, followed by an online survey bringing together the views of more than 900 respondents. The data compiled from “The Somali Diaspora Investor Survey” was released in report form and describes diaspora interests, perceptions and experience as both active investors or would-be investor back home. The findings prompted a series of 9 recommendations to address identified gaps in the investment ecosystem. These needs include stronger business development services, strengthening Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations, the need for refined market research, and formal investment mechanisms such as mutual funds or assurances such as credit guarantees.
Over the next two days we will hear from policymakers, private businesses, investors, banks, and donors, and collectively explore topics on governance, finance, and strategy. We encourage you to network, connect and embrace opportunities.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Lee C. Sorensen
Director, Shuraako
http://shuraako.org/forums/sif/hargeisa/2016 BACKGROUND:
The SIF Hargeisa brings together the Somaliland business community, policymakers, donors, financial institutions and experts to discuss ways to strengthen private sector investment and development.
The theme of this year’s Forum is supporting private sector development in Somaliland. During the event we will explore how best to do so. Discussion topics include:
• The business environment – policy, regulation and the participation of the private sector • Challenges and opportunities of major economic sectors led by experts • Catalyzing investment by promoting investment opportunities and creating a venue for businesses to pitch to investors • Supporting and encouraging the formation of associations and chambers of commerce that will assist economic sectors
Content for the forum will be organized along three tracks:
Presentations, session recordings, and event materials will be uploaded to our website following the event: http://shuraako.org/forums/sif/hargeisa/2016
http://shuraako.org/forums/sif/hargeisa/2016 1 NETWORKING, NOTICES, & LOGISTICS: We encourage you to take part in the diverse range of activities planned for the Somaliland Investment Forum (SIF) Hargeisa - from networking, to the Trade Show, to specialized breakout sessions. This Forum is an excellent opportunity to develop strategic partnerships and collaborate with sector stakeholders.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES There are numerous opportunities to network during the SIF Hargeisa and we encourage you to take advantage of them. Lunches, refreshment breaks, and an evening reception offer the opportunity to meet new people, share ideas and make new connections.
TRADE SHOW The Trade Show is a unique opportunity to meet and learn about businesses and organizations attending the Forum. Exhibitors will host booths to engage with other Forum participants, tell their story, and share what they offer.
SOCIAL MEDIA Use #SIFHargeisa and #OpenForBusiness to post your experiences, thoughts and insights from the Forum on Twitter and Facebook.
NOTICE AND CONSENT FOR AUDIOVISUAL RECORDING All SIF Hargeisa sessions will be audio and/or visually recorded. By attending the SIF Hargeisa, you consent to being filmed, taped, photographed, and/or recorded for the purposes of record taking and generating subsequent reports and/or videos. The One Earth Future Foundation and Shuraako program reserve the right to use these materials at its discretion including the creation of forum-related reports and/or videos.
SMOKING POLICY Smoking is absolutely prohibited inside all hotel buildings. There are designated smoking areas outside.
TECHNICAL CONTACT FOR MAAN-SOOR HOTEL Technical Operation Assistance: Mr. Abdiwahab (+252 634601709)
EVALUATION FORMS To continually improve our events, please take a few minutes to complete your evaluation and submit it to a SIF Hargeisa staff member or volunteer (marked by red lanyards) at the end of the Closing Remarks on Tuesday, September 20. These evaluations will be handed out to you before the Closing Remarks.
2 http://shuraako.org/forums/sif/hargeisa/2016 FLOOR PLAN:
SOMALILAND INVESTMENT FORUM