Mohamed Mohamud – Founder & CEO, Somali Online Market (SOOMAR); Co-Founder Himilo Solutions
I graduated from SIMAD University in 2007. I was part of the fourth batch in Information Technology, and it was a challenging time. The situation in the country was bad, with a lot of violence. I joined the university in 2003 and completed my studies in 2007, finishing almost at the end of the year.
Studying Information Technology back then was very different from today. Now, we have 5G internet almost everywhere in Somalia. At that time, we had only 2G internet. Even using computers was rare; we used old Pentium 3 and Pentium 4 models. Today, we almost forget about physical computers because everything is in the cloud. It’s easier to search for a file on your computer than on the internet now. Back then, few people had access to computers, and internet cafes were using outdated technology. As IT students, we needed to search for information online often, which was very difficult.
When I graduated from SIMAD, I was among the top students in my class. The university policy was to employ the top 10 graduates, and it still follows that policy today. So, I was offered a position on the staff. However, in 2007 and 2008, the security situation was very tough due to the presence of Ethiopian troops in the country. My family was worried about my safety because the university was in a dangerous part of the city, so they advised me to move to a safer place.
I talked to four of my close friends from my class, and we decided to establish a computer training school. We started with four computers, offering basic courses in Windows and Office applications. We graduated two batches of students before closing the school because people returned to the city as the security situation improved.
Next, I started an internet café with a colleague from SIMAD, and we operated it for almost a year. During this time, I also trained as a nurse on weekends to help my family in case of emergencies. While training at the hospital, I noticed they were using outdated manual systems for managing patient records. I suggested developing a computerised system to improve efficiency.
In 2009, I teamed up with two classmates to start Himilo Solutions, which developed a hospital management system. Our system was successful and adopted by many hospitals. Today, over 50 hospitals in Somalia use our system, with around 3,000 daily users, including doctors and nurses. Himilo Solutions has become one of the largest private health systems in the country. We employ fresh graduates from SIMAD and other universities, continuing to innovate and improve healthcare management.
This was my second entrepreneurial venture, and we have been operating for almost 14 years now. All our founding team members were from SIMAD University, and we continue to collaborate with colleagues from various universities. This journey has been a significant part of my business and entrepreneurial career.
In 2016, I ventured into e-commerce, launching one of the first e-commerce applications in the country, called SOOMAR (Somali Online Market). SOOMAR quickly gained traction, with nearly 300,000 downloads and almost 100 employees. The platform allows people to order products online, and we’ve attracted many young, innovative individuals from various universities to join our team. Today, SOOMAR is the largest e-commerce platform in Somalia and is more famous than I am.
Reflecting on my journey, SIMAD University has been a common thread throughout my career. SIMAD is the foundation of my success. For example, I remember in 2006, SIMAD organised events for students to visit local businesses during holidays. I was among a group of students who visited Arafat Hospital with Deputy Rector Ustad Odowaa. This visit gave us a firsthand understanding of hospital operations. A doctor explained the hospital’s deficiencies and we asked many questions about the emergency and in-patient units. This experience inspired me to develop a system for hospital management after graduation.
SIMAD University is highly regarded in the country. Mentioning that I am from SIMAD often opens doors and helps market our services. When negotiating with clients, especially hospitals, stating that our system was developed by SIMAD graduates gives us credibility.
At the beginning of our studies, the dean, who is now President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, introduced us to the concept of the “SIMAD family.” This idea has been instrumental in building connections and gaining support. In government institutions and businesses, being part of the SIMAD family means receiving help from fellow alumni. Likewise, I often help others from SIMAD.
The capability and quality of SIMAD University have significantly contributed to the reputation and success of our business. This strong institutional support has been invaluable in our entrepreneurial endeavours.
Many graduates have contributed to SIMAD University, but I believe I am one of those who have given back the most. I frequently deliver lectures to recent graduates, providing them with information about the job market and how to navigate it. Additionally, I conduct seminars on how they can start small businesses upon graduation, addressing the critical issue of unemployment in our country. Instead of waiting for job opportunities, I encourage students to create their own businesses.
Every year, I return to the university at least once or twice to engage with students. I participate in classes for fresh students, motivating them to become job creators rather than job seekers. Personally, I have never sought employment through traditional means; instead, I have always focused on creating opportunities. Today’s students have even more resources at their disposal, thanks to advancements in technology and the power of social media. I firmly believe that every student has the potential to start their own business in this era.
SIMAD University is at the forefront of innovation and education in the country. After my graduation, I have seen how the university has continuously worked to enhance the skills of its students. My friend, Mohammed Muse, who is the director of the SIMAD iLab, exemplifies the university’s efforts to create more opportunities for students as they enter the job market. The initiatives at SIMAD are exemplary and other universities are beginning to follow suit.
Unemployment remains a significant issue in our country. Many families have young members who are jobless and lack direction. Universities, the government, and corporate companies must collaborate in creating more job opportunities for students. Our young people are exceptionally creative, especially in business. They need the right skills and support to succeed in the market and become future business leaders.
SIMAD University is already doing a lot to address this issue. They have established specialised institutions focused on skill development and entrepreneurship, leading the way in innovation in the country. My advice is to continue enhancing these efforts, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills they need to create their own futures. By encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset and providing practical skills, we can help reduce unemployment and build a more prosperous future for our nation.
