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SDRB Investment Readiness Program: Empowering Somali SMEs and Investing in Somalia's Future
Now Accepting Applications
The Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank (SDRB) has officially launched the Investment Readiness Program (IRP), a landmark initiative designed to support high-potential Somali Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and distributors working in four strategic sectors: agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and renewable energy.
The IRP aims to build a dynamic pipeline of businesses that can accelerate Somalia’s economic recovery, resilience, and inclusive job creation. The program offers a combination of catalytic financing, targeted technical assistance, and strategic partnerships to help businesses grow, strengthen their operations, and expand their market reach.
About the Program
The Investment Readiness Program (IRP) is designed to prepare high-potential Somali businesses for investment by equipping them with the technical capacity, business model strength, and governance frameworks needed to access capital. Participants of the IRP will be supported to access capital from SDRB. In addition, participants will gain access to SDRB’s growing network of partners.
The program includes support in areas such as business model refinement, financial documentation, compliance, and climate-smart practices, critical capabilities for operating successfully in fragile and frontier markets like Somalia.
Through the program, selected businesses will receive technical assistance, be eligible for financing, and connect with SDRB’s investment and partner network.
Learn More About the Program
Who Should Apply?
SDRB invites applications from SMEs and distributors that meet the following criteria:
- Registered or in the process of formalizing in Somalia
- Actively operating for at least two years
- Working in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, or renewable energy
- Offering innovative, scalable, or climate-smart business models
- Committed to growth, transparency, and market expansion
What Selected Businesses Receive
- Inclusion in SDRB’s investment pipeline
- Tailored technical assistance in areas such as financial systems, governance, marketing, and ESG practices
- Business development support for export readiness and market expansion
- National recognition through alignment with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (NTP)
How to Apply
The first step is to complete this Expression of Interest application (English and Somali). The application window will be closed on 13 September 2025.
Distributors providing access to climate-smart technologies, such as solar irrigation, clean cookstoves, or improved fisheries tools, are also encouraged to apply.
Contact
For inquiries, please reach out to irp@sdrb.gov.so || +252 613277757