Global Entrepreneurship Week Garowe 2025 opened with a clear message about the future of business in Puntland and that message was carried by a young innovator whose work speaks directly to community needs. At just twenty-five, Suad Said Ali emerged as the winner of this year’s Green Youth Innovation Competition with her project, GD SolarCool, a solar-powered cold storage system designed to protect farmers from heavy post-harvest losses.
Suad’s innovation is built around a simple but urgent need. Many smallholder farmers in Puntland lose up to 40 percent of their fresh produce due to extreme heat and a lack of refrigeration. Vegetables, fruits, milk and meat spoil quickly when there is little access to electricity, which forces farmers to sell early at low prices. GD SolarCool offers an alternative. It is a solar-powered cold storage facility that farmers can use for up to seven days at affordable daily rates. The system uses clean energy, replaces expensive diesel coolers and gives farmers time to plan their sales more strategically.
Her idea stood out because it responds to a real problem and gives a clear path to economic improvement. For many farmers, the ability to store produce safely means more stable income, less waste and a stronger local market. Her win reflects the goals of GEW Garowe 2025, which aimed to support solutions that improve livelihoods, encourage sustainable business practices and empower young entrepreneurs.
GEW Garowe 2025 was organized by Shaqodoon, led by Mohamoud Warsame and Ridwan Hamud Mohamoud, in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce, Industries and Investment of Puntland. Their shared goal was to create a platform that recognizes the potential of young people in the region and gives businesses of all sizes a chance to grow through visibility and dialogue. The event brought together more than 180 participants, including government officials, private-sector leaders, banks, youth innovators and exhibitors from different sectors of Puntland’s economy.
A Day that Showcased Business Potential and Community Energy
On 23 November 2025, the venue opened early for the final preparations. Exhibitors placed their products on tables, the media set up cameras and the registration team arranged certificates and welcome materials. As hundreds of guests arrived, the atmosphere grew lively. Entrepreneurs, banking representatives, students and local leaders moved through the exhibition stands before the formal program began, creating early networking moments and strong engagement.
The official launch of the program highlighted the importance of youth entrepreneurship in Puntland’s economic future. Government representatives encouraged young people to pursue innovation and expressed their commitment to supporting initiatives that build skills, jobs and business opportunities. The opening session set a positive tone, and the guided exhibition walk that followed helped officials, investors and visitors interact with more than twenty local businesses.
These businesses represented a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, technology, education services, crafts and food production. Many exhibitors used the platform to test new ideas, share business stories and gain valuable visibility. For several participants, the event offered one of the few large-scale opportunities to present their products to potential partners and customers.
A panel discussion on access to finance added practical value to the program. Panelists from banks and the private sector shared insights on financial barriers, loan requirements and ways young entrepreneurs can prepare themselves for funding. A female business expert spoke about gender inclusion and the need for more support programs for women-led enterprises. Audience participation was strong, with many young people asking questions about startup loans, alternative financing and the role of government in easing financial barriers.
The Green Youth Innovation Competition and the Rise of a Young Innovator
The competition was the most anticipated part of GEW Garowe 2025. After a strong response of over 200 applications, three finalists were shortlisted based on innovation, feasibility, environmental impact and potential for growth. They received guidance on preparing for their pitches and understanding the judging criteria.
During the live pitch session, each finalist presented their idea to a panel of judges from the private sector, financial institutions and civil society. The judges evaluated innovation, execution potential, market fit and long-term sustainability. After careful review, the judges announced Suad Said Ali as the winner, awarding her the $2,000 prize to help launch GD SolarCool.
Her project represents a practical and sustainable solution that can support farmers, reduce losses and strengthen local food systems. The enthusiasm that followed her win showed how much the community values innovation that addresses real needs and creates economic opportunity.
The competition was more than a contest. It became a symbol of what young people in Puntland can achieve when given a supportive platform. It also reinforced the purpose of GEW Garowe: to encourage talent, promote youth-led solutions and spark collaboration across the local business landscape.
A Week that Strengthened the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Puntland
GEW Garowe 2025 succeeded in bringing together ideas, people and opportunities. It highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship in building stronger communities and more resilient markets. It gave visibility to local businesses, encouraged financial dialogue and empowered young innovators to take the next step in their journey.
Most importantly, it showed that young people in Puntland are ready to drive economic growth with practical solutions that respond to local challenges. Suad’s solar-powered cold storage idea is just one example of the creativity emerging in the region.
