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As I reflect on the past few weeks, my heart is full of pride, gratitude, and renewed purpose. The overwhelming success of both the East Africa Somali Awards 2025 and the Sharia Compliance & Halal Business Expo is not a personal achievement — it is a collective victory. A moment where our community, our values, and our vision came together to show the world what Somali excellence truly looks like.
I want to speak from the heart.
These weren’t just events. They were manifestations of a dream I’ve carried for years — a dream to see our people celebrated, not just for surviving but for thriving. A dream to create spaces where Somali professionals, business leaders, creatives, scholars, and public servants could be honored in a dignified, world-class way. A dream where ethical enterprise rooted in faith could be elevated, expanded, and invested in.
East Africa Somali Awards: A Night That Belongs to Us All
When we launched the East Africa Somali Awards, our goal was simple: recognize those who uplift our communities across East Africa. What happened exceeded every expectation.
We watched elders rise to applaud young innovators. We saw women leaders honored for shaping economies. We cheered for business moguls and unsung heroes in the same breath. And we did it with pride, with elegance, and with unity.
To all the honorees — your stories inspire us. Your work uplifts us. And your presence at that ceremony made it clear: Somali excellence is not limited by borders, and it certainly isn’t defined by struggle alone. It is defined by brilliance, service, and unstoppable spirit.
Sharia Compliance & Halal Business Expo: Building with Faith and Integrity
Hot on the heels of the awards, we hosted the Sharia Compliance and Halal Business Expo — and it, too, made history. What began as a vision to gather like-minded entrepreneurs and institutions blossomed into a regional movement. For two full days, the Sarit Centre was alive with energy, opportunity, and purposeful exchange.
We were honored to welcome esteemed diplomats, including the Ambassadors of Somalia and Thailand, who not only attended but actively engaged with our exhibitors. Watching Ambassador Jibril Ibrahim Abdulle go booth to booth and speak with every participant was a moment I’ll never forget. It showed respect. It showed dignity. And it reminded all of us that our businesses matter — because they are rooted in faith, fairness, and service.
The Gala Dinner at the Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel was the exclamation point on this journey. Under those lights, we didn’t just celebrate — we connected. Partnerships were born. Trust was built. And a promise was made: the halal economy in East Africa has only just begun to rise.
My Thanks and My Promise
I want to thank everyone who contributed — the organizing teams, the sponsors, the speakers, the volunteers, and most importantly, the Somali community that showed up in full force. You brought grace, joy, and purpose to these gatherings. You reminded me why I do this work.
To the young boy watching from home in Garissa or Mogadishu. To the young woman running her start-up in Nairobi or Kampala. To the elders, the scholars, the hustlers, the quiet dreamers — these platforms are yours. These stages are yours.
As CEO of Somali Magazine and founder of these initiatives, I give you my promise: we’re not done. This is only the beginning.
Ridwan Yusuf Mohamud
Editor-in-Chief
Somalia Magazine