Doing business in Somalia: unpacking the realities on the ground

Investor discusses the operating environment and some of the region’s untapped business opportunities.

Jon Bellish

Our new book, How we made it in Africa II: Real stories of entrepreneurs turning opportunity into profit, is available here. The book was recently shortlisted for the Business Council for Africa (BCA) African Business Book of the Year Awards 2026.

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Interview with Jon Bellish
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SHURAAKO CAPITAL

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For many people, Somalia is synonymous with war, insecurity and political instability, rather than a destination for business. Yet despite challenges in parts of the region, local commercial activity continues across a variety of sectors, ranging from renewable energy and water bottling to apartment construction and poultry production.

Jon Bellish is the executive director of Shuraako Capital, a firm that provides financing to Somali companies. How we made it in Africa editor-in-chief Jaco Maritz spoke to Bellish about the operating environment and some of the region’s untapped business opportunities.

Topics discussed during the interview include:

• Can I safely travel to Mogadishu?

• Business opportunities in Somalia

• Why two site visits a day is an achievement in Mogadishu

• Companies funded by Shuraako Capital

• How Bellish began investing in Somali businesses

Watch the full interview below: (only available on How we made it in Africa)