Past Winners

Past Winners

The International Somali Awards celebrates outstanding achievements across various categories, recognizing the incredible contributions made within the community to promote growth and progress.

See our past winners below.

Business of the Year

Enza Home Somalia

Enza Home Somalia is a leading furniture store in Mogadishu, bringing the world’s fashionable furniture to Somali households. Enza Home Somalia brings a new way of furnishing with a modern, innovative, and environmentally friendly approach that is appreciated and enjoyed by many consumers in Somalia.
Arts and Entertainment Award

Asad Hagio

Famous YouTuber Asad Hagio was once a victim of Al-Shabaab, where he was horrifically attacked inside his family owned photography studio. Asad survived the attack but is now paralyzed from the waist down. Nonetheless, this did not stop him from becoming a global entertainer with over a million subscribers on YouTube.
Innovative Award

Mariam Noor

Mariam Noor is a Danish-Somali PostDoctoral Researcher. She made headlines when during her PhD she developed a medical device to treat leaking heart valves. Mariam spent three years on her innovative work, designing and developing a breakthrough alternative solution that could help patients suffering with leaking heart valves.
Outstanding Contribution to the Community

Dr Mohamed Faisal

Dr Mohamed Faisal is a young healthcare professional who set up a First Aid and Trauma Training Center in cities across Somalia where he has trained over six thousand people. His impact continues to grow as the country benefits from his critical and life-changing skills.
Outstanding Educational Achievement

Ismail Ibrahim Warsame

At the age of 72 years old, Ismail Ibrahim Warsame graduated from university of Hargeisa with a Master of Arts in Development Studies, he became the oldest student ever to graduate from the university Hargeisa. Ismail is living proof that you are never too old to learn and is an inspiration to all.
Sports Person of the Year

Macalin Nuur

Macalin Nuur is a football coaching veteran who is praised for leading the U17 team to success in 2022 which resulted in the country’s first-ever football trophy in any tournament, at any level. The team beat some of the best teams in Africa winning the trophy and restoring hope in Somalia’s footballing capabilities on the continent and beyond.
Business of the Year

Beydan

Beydan, a family run independent Coffee Shop located in the heart of Mogadishu, Somalia, revolutionising the way Somalia drinks coffee while using local products. Beydan is known for its aromatic coffee and its variety of delicious homemade cakes, pastries, and freshly prepared sandwiches. Somalia has seen a rise of the coffee culture, with Beydan being the first coffee shop in Mogadishu.
Outstanding Educational Achievement

Awale Ahmed

Awale Ahmed is a remarkable young man that has excelled and made history as the first student to score the highest marks ever recorded in Somalia’s national exams history since the collapse of the Somali state. Awale has achieved this whilst facing enormous challenges which involved traveling through three regions in Somalia just to sit in the final exam.
Outstanding Contribution to the Community

Mama Hawa Mohamed Aden

Mama Hawa Mohamed Aden is a globally renowned social activist who has actively worked for advancing the education and well-being of Somali women and girls, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and vision they need to create a better future for their families and their country. She is a laureate of the Nansen Refugee Award, a humanitarian prize given annually by UNHCR and was also awarded the 2019 TRT World Citizen Educator Award
Innovative Award

Waafi

Waafi is an All-In-One fin-tech app, which gives clients access to a range of digital services across a singular platform. Consumers can access bank accounts, perform online transactions, book flights, book hotels, send international remittances and make international/domestic phone calls all from inside the app.
Arts and Entertainment Award

Astaan TV

Astaan TV is a privately owned and leading television channel in Somalia that nurtures and gives a platform to Somali culture, music and entertainment and sports by using high quality production and innovative ways of presenting entertaining programs.
Sports Person of the Year

Abdulkarim Abdallah Qubaye

Abdulkarim Abdallah Qubaye is regarded by many as the Messi of Somalia. For the past few years, he has dominated the minds of football fans across Somalia and beyond. He is a shining light in what has been a difficult few decade for Horseed FC. Qubaye is now leading the charge for rekindling the lost glory of Horseed FC who are the 2021 champions of Somalia’s first division league.
Sports Person of the Year

Muhidin Abubakar

Muhidin Abubakar is a 21year old MMA fighter ranked #1 in the uk. Currently holder of 4 belts, LFC,Fightstar,Rise of champions and Cage warriors Academy. Muhidin is considered a young emerging star in the MMA world.
Business of the Year

Habo Tuna Factory

Habo Tuna is a leading producer, distributor and marketer of shelf-stable seafood products in East Africa. The factory is located Gulf Of Aden Sea in Somalia 60km from Allula district Puntland State of Somalia. Over the last few decades, Habo has continued to grow fresh and high-quality canned products for the local market and employs over 300 at its factory in Habo and another 700 fisherfolk.
Outstanding Educational Achievement

Dr. Hodan Isse

Dr. Hodan Isse is a Somali-American economics and finance academic with a PhD in Economics from George Mason University in Virginia. Dr. Isse is a certified Islamic Finance expert and clinical assistant professor emeritus at the University of Buffalo. Dr. Isse’s honours include recognition as one of 200 women who changed the world in 2017 and a member of the UN African Leader Network in 2018. Dr. Isse serves as a UNFPA and UNIEF goodwill ambassador for gender equality issues.
Outstanding Educational Achievement

Abukar Awale

The Qaadiid (Ban Khat) campaign is a movement which began in 2006 and brought about a landmark win in the U.K to ban the stimulant Khat. Awale has continued his work in Somalia, through school and university talks, to discourage young people from using the drug. The campaign has raised important conversations on the future well-being of Somali populations if the drug continues to be deregulated. @Abukarawale.
Innovative Award

Ogow Health

OGOW EMR is designed to enable electronic medical records systems to be made available in hospitals across Somalia. Ogow EMR has received grants from foundations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation to improve infant vaccination coverage. OGOW has received positive reviews for its innovative approach to promoting health and wellbeing
Arts and Entertainment Award

Aar Maanta

Aar Maanta is a Somali singer and song-writer who’s song ‘Tahriib’ was reproduced in 2017 by the UN as ‘Dangerous Crossings’ to promote a major campaign about irregular movements. Aar has served as artist in residence at the Minnesota Cedar Cultural Center. Aar is a recipient of the Joyce Award for the production of the first bilingual Somali/English children’s album in collaboration with his band and renowned Somali literary icon Professor Said Salah
Special Recognition Award

Salaam Somali Bank

Salaam Somali Bank (SSB) is the first privately owned bank in Somalia. We began our operations on October 2009. The bank is regulated by the Central Bank of Somalia. SSB is owned by trusted Somali business owners and is run by a dedicated team of professionals with over 20 years of experience in banking and financial management services.
Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr Said Salah

Dr Said Salah is a lifetime educator, presently teaching in the Department of American & African Studies at the University of Minnesota, teaching Somali language courses at all levels. Prior to his life in Minnesota, Dr Said wrote and directed a feature film in Somali/English called The Somali Dervish (1985). Presented in epic form, it charts the historic Dervish movement led by Sayid Mohamed Abdalla Hassan. Dr Said Salah is a living sample of the Somali music and arts, his contribution through books, songs, films and poetry is well recognised and appreciated amongst the Somalis and beyond.
Lifetime Achievement Award

Abdullahi Haji

Abdullahi Haji is a multi-platform veteran broadcaster who has championed and innovated the media industry for over 40 years. He is held in high esteem by many for his hard-hitting, fearless and uncompromising journalistic style. Abdullahi Haji began his career in Ethiopian Radio before working for various European outlets such as Deutsche Welle (DW) – one of the largest news networks in Europe. After a successful tenure at DW, Abdullahi Haji decided to join the BBC Somali Service. It was at BBC where his regular attendance at the news desk was legendary as he never took a sick day off from broadcasting in over 40 years. An innovator, Abdullahi Haji is well known for inventing the modern Somali words, Barwaqo-Sooran (Commonwealth), Geedi-Socodka Nabadda (Peace process) and Maan-Dooriye (Drugs). His creative genius has been instrumental in furthering the literary culture of Somali’s.
Special Recognition Award

Hormuud Telecom

International Somali Award introduces the first recipient of the Special Recognition Award; Hormuud Telecom. Hormuud has played a key role in the nation-building of Somalia and stabilised economic markets in metropolitan zones such as Mogadishu when chaos engulfed other traditional institutions. After 16 years of resilience, Hormuud Telecom is now the leading telecommunication service providers in Somalia. Hormuud consistently helped build the future leaders of Somalia through continued support of many Somali orphanages with a heavy focus on education for the children and their future development. Hormuud also provides 10 university scholarships every year, to those who are excelling in their secondary education, however, can not afford the university fees. It is incredible to see a business who has played a big role in shaping Somali’s economy and also is helping shape Somalia’s future, though its future leaders.
Sports Person of the Year

Ramla Ali

Ramla Ali took up boxing after being teased for being overweight at school, now she is a national champion and a role model to young Somali women around the world. Ramla won the 2015 Novice National Championships and then the 2016 England Boxing Elite National Championship. Ramla made the biggest decision of her career; she will be representing Somalia in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
Business of the Year

SOSTEC Inc

SOSTEC Inc was founded by CEO Zahra Abdikarim and is now the leading provider of web services in Mogadishu. Zahra established the company due to the lack of technology services in the country at the time. Those who needed the service where looking aboard, as a result, they did not receive the best support, due to the language barrier, high prices and delivery time. SOSTEC Inc now provides reliable services for their customers with innovative products and services design
Outstanding Educational Achievement

Dr Sada Mire

Dr Sada Mire is a Swedish-Somali archaeologist, art historian and presenter. Dr Mire holds a PhD from UCL’s Institute of Archaeology, London. She is the only active Somali archaeologist, working in Somalia and Somaliland. Her numerous publications include a dozen peer-reviewed articles in leading journals on some of her notable archaeological and theoretical contributions. In 2017, the NewScientist Magazine selected Dr Mire as one of its most Inspiring Women in Science of all time.
Outstanding Contribution to the Community

Aamin Ambulance

Aamin Ambulance provides free emergency service in Mogadishu, Somalia. Aamin Ambulance established by a group of young people, because there was no functioning public ambulance service after two decades of civil war in Somalia. Each one of their ambulances is equipped with the medical technology and professional staff necessary for pre-hospital care. Aamin Ambulance has received an award from the Ministry of Health and Social Services of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Innovative Award

iRise Hub

Besides the devastating impact of Somalia’s civil war, an aspirational technology sector has been growing in the Horn of Africa nation for years. iRise is Mogadishu’s first tech community with the aim of building and empowering young entrepreneurs to build innovative solutions at home, in Somalia. iRise nurture and support start-ups with an ambient and fully equipped co-working space, training, entrepreneur programmes that transform ideas into businesses that create jobs and add value to Somalia’s economy
Best Entertainment Award

Ajakis

Abdi Muriidi, also known as Ajakis, is a popular comedian who is famous for his witty, effortless jokes. He is not like any of the other comedians; he has a presence, both online and offline, which leaves his audience wanting more. From a young age Ajakis would enjoy watching Somali comedians, however, he never thought he would become one. He first discovered his skills when he was in school and all the kids would gather to hear his jokes. Now he entertains Somalis worldwide.
Sports Person of the Year

Fartun Osman

Fartun Osman was just 13 when she became the youngest player ever to join the Somali Women’s National Basketball team. After fleeing Civil War, Fartun emigrated to the United States and taught basketball to young girls in Minnesota. She’s recently been named assistant coach of the Somali Women’s National Basketball team, where she continues to work with the next generation of sportswomen.
Business of the Year

Daauus Creative Agency

Daauus Creative is the go-to agency for dynamic design and brand management in Somalia. They employ the best in Somali talent and boast an impressive team of young creatives. Daauus have worked with some of the country’s most high-profile businesses to help develop their brands and host events.
Outstanding Educational Achievement

Mubarik Mahmoud

Mubarik Mahmoud was born into a traditional nomadic family, herding camels as a young child. He first encountered education at a refugee camp, where he immediately set his heart on going to school. After graduating from Abaarso, he won an international scholarship to one of the most prestigious universities in America, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Outstanding Contribution to the Community

Abaarso School

Abaarso School is a non-profit school changing the lives of children in Somaliland. Its students will become the first Somalia students for several decades to have the opportunity to earn scholarships to study in the United States – with the hope they will return home to become leaders in their own country, and on the world stage.
Best Entertainment Award

Chunkz

Chunkz is an entertainer whose digital content is followed by young people across Somalia. His ambition is to showcase Somali creativity, and his enthusiasm, passion and hard work in doing so, hasn’t gone unnoticed. With a strong online presence and following, Chunkz is a positive role model for young people, encouraging them to become content creators themselves.
Lifetime Achievement Award

Ahmed Ismail Hussein ‘Hudeydi’

Ahmed Ismail Hussein ‘Hudeydi’ is a musician whose skill at playing the oud is respected the world over. His championing of Somali folk music has had an enormous impact on the cultural identity of his homeland and he’s fought tirelessly for Somali artistry to be recognised and celebrated.

2023 Winners

Enza Home Somalia

Business of the Year

Asad Hagio

Arts and Entertainment Award

Mariam Noor

Innovative Award

Dr Mohamed Faisal

Outstanding Contribution to the Community

Ismail Ibrahim Warsame

Outstanding Educational Achievement

Macalin Nuur

Sports Person of the Year

2021 Winners

Beydan

Business of the Year

Awale Ahmed

Outstanding Educational Achievement

Mama Hawa Mohamed Aden

Outstanding Contribution to the Community

Waafi

Innovative Award

Astaan TV

Arts and Entertainment Award

Abdulkarim Abdallah Qubaye

Sports Person of the Year

2020 Winners

Muhidin Abubakar

Sports Person of the Year

Habo Tuna Factory

Business of the Year

Dr. Hodan Isse

Outstanding Educational Achievement

Abukar Awale

Outstanding Educational Achievement

Ogow Health

Innovative Award

Aar Maanta

Arts and Entertainment Award

Salaam Somali Bank

Special Recognition Award

Dr Said Salah

Lifetime Achievement Award

2019 Winners

Abdullahi Haji

Lifetime Achievement Award

Hormuud Telecom

Special Recognition Award

Ramla Ali

Sports Person of the Year

SOSTEC Inc

Business of the Year

Dr Sada Mire

Outstanding Educational Achievement

Aamin Ambulance

Outstanding Contribution to the Community

iRise Hub

Innovative Award

Ajakis

Best Entertainment Award

2018 Winners

Fartun Osman

Sports Person of the Year

Daauus Creative Agency

Business of the Year

Mubarik Mahmoud

Outstanding Educational Achievement

Abaarso School

Outstanding Contribution to the Community

Chunkz

Best Entertainment Award

Ahmed Ismail Hussein ‘Hudeydi’

Lifetime Achievement Award

Macalin Nuur

Sports person of the year

Macalin Nuur is a football coaching veteran who is praised for leading the U17 team to success in 2022 which resulted in the country’s first-ever football trophy in any tournament, at any level. The team beat some of the best teams in Africa winning the trophy and restoring hope in Somalia’s footballing capabilities on the continent and beyond.

Enza Home

Business of the Year

Enza Home Somalia is a leading furniture store in Mogadishu, bringing the world’s fashionable furniture to Somali households. Enza Home Somalia brings a new way of furnishing with a modern, innovative, and environmentally friendly approach that is appreciated and enjoyed by many consumers in Somalia.

Ismail Ibrahim Warsame

Educational Achievement​

At the age of 72 years old, Ismail Ibrahim Warsame graduated from university of Hargeisa with a Master of Arts in Development Studies, he became the oldest student ever to graduate from the university Hargeisa. Ismail is living proof that you are never too old to learn and is an inspiration to all.

Mariam Noor​

Innovation

Mariam Noor is a Danish-Somali PostDoctoral Researcher. She made headlines when during her PhD she developed a medical device to treat leaking heart valves. Mariam spent three years on her innovative work, designing and developing a breakthrough alternative solution that could help patients suffering with leaking heart valves.

Dr Mohamed Faisal

Contribution

Dr Mohamed Faisal is a young healthcare professional who set up a First Aid and Trauma Training Center in cities across Somalia where he has trained over six thousand people. His impact continues to grow as the country benefits from his critical and life-changing skills.

Asad Hagio

Arts and Entertainment

Famous YouTuber Asad Hagio was once a victim of Al-Shabaab, where he was horrifically attacked inside his family owned photography studio. Asad survived the attack but is now paralyzed from the waist down. Nonetheless, this did not stop him from becoming a global entertainer with over a million subscribers on YouTube.

Fartun Osman

Sports person of the year

Fartun Osman was just 13 when she became the youngest player ever to join the Somali Women’s National Basketball team. After fleeing Civil War, Fartun emigrated to the United States and taught basketball to young girls in Minnesota. She’s recently been named assistant coach of the Somali Women’s National Basketball team, where she continues to work with the next generation of sportswomen.

Daauus Creative Agency

Business of the Year

Daauus Creative is the go-to agency for dynamic design and brand management in Somalia. They employ the best in Somali talent and boast an impressive team of young creatives. Daauus have worked with some of the country’s most high-profile businesses to help develop their brands and host events.

Abaarso School

Community Award

Abaarso School is a non-profit school changing the lives of children in Somaliland. Its students will become the first Somalia students for several decades to have the opportunity to earn scholarships to study in the United States – with the hope they will return home to become leaders in their own country, and on the world stage.

Chunkz

Arts and Entertainment Award

Chunkz is an entertainer whose digital content is followed by young people across Somalia. His ambition is to showcase Somali creativity, and his enthusiasm, passion and hard work in doing so, hasn’t gone unnoticed. With a strong online presence and following, Chunkz is a positive role model for young people, encouraging them to become content creators themselves.

Ahmed Ismail Hussein 'Hudeydi'

Lifetime achievement award

Ahmed Ismail Hussein ‘Hudeydi’ is a musician whose skill at playing the oud is respected the world over. His championing of Somali folk music has had an enormous impact on the cultural identity of his homeland and he’s fought tirelessly for Somali artistry to be recognised and celebrated.

Ramla Ali

Sports person of the year

Ramla Ali took up boxing after being teased for being overweight at school, now she is a national champion and a role model to young Somali women around the world. Ramla won the 2015 Novice National Championships and then the 2016 England Boxing Elite National Championship. Ramla made the biggest decision of her career; she will be representing Somalia in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

SOSTEC Inc

Business of the Year

SOSTEC Inc was founded by CEO Zahra Abdikarim and is now the leading provider of web services in Mogadishu. Zahra established the company due to the lack of technology services in the country at the time. Those who needed the service where looking aboard, as a result, they did not receive the best support, due to the language barrier, high prices and delivery time. SOSTEC Inc now provides reliable services for their customers with innovative products and services design

Dr Sada Mire

Outstanding Educational Achievement

Dr Sada Mire is a Swedish-Somali archaeologist, art historian and presenter. Dr Mire holds a PhD from UCL’s Institute of Archaeology, London. She is the only active Somali archaeologist, working in Somalia and Somaliland. Her numerous publications include a dozen peer-reviewed articles in leading journals on some of her notable archaeological and theoretical contributions. In 2017, the NewScientist Magazine selected Dr Mire as one of its most Inspiring Women in Science of all time.

Aamin Ambulance

Community Award

Aamin Ambulance provides free emergency service in Mogadishu, Somalia. Aamin Ambulance established by a group of young people, because there was no functioning public ambulance service after two decades of civil war in Somalia. Each one of their ambulances is equipped with the medical technology and professional staff necessary for pre-hospital care. Aamin Ambulance has received an award from the Ministry of Health and Social Services of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

iRise Hub

Innovative Award

Besides the devastating impact of Somalia’s civil war, an aspirational technology sector has been growing in the Horn of Africa nation for years. iRise is Mogadishu’s first tech community with the aim of building and empowering young entrepreneurs to build innovative solutions at home, in Somalia. iRise nurture and support start-ups with an ambient and fully equipped co-working space, training, entrepreneur programmes that transform ideas into businesses that create jobs and add value to Somalia’s economy.

Ajakis

Best Entertainment Award

Abdi Muriidi, also known as Ajakis, is a popular comedian who is famous for his witty, effortless jokes. He is not like any of the other comedians; he has a presence, both online and offline, which leaves his audience wanting more. From a young age Ajakis would enjoy watching Somali comedians, however, he never thought he would become one. He first discovered his skills when he was in school and all the kids would gather to hear his jokes. Now he entertains Somalis worldwide.

Abdullahi Haji

Lifetime achievement award

Abdullahi Haji is a multi-platform veteran broadcaster who has championed and innovated the media industry for over 40 years. He is held in high esteem by many for his hard-hitting, fearless and uncompromising journalistic style. Abdullahi Haji began his career in Ethiopian Radio before working for various European outlets such as Deutsche Welle (DW) – one of the largest news networks in Europe. After a successful tenure at DW, Abdullahi Haji decided to join the BBC Somali Service. It was at BBC where his regular attendance at the news desk was legendary as he never took a sick day off from broadcasting in over 40 years. An innovator, Abdullahi Haji is well known for inventing the modern Somali words, Barwaqo-Sooran (Commonwealth), Geedi-Socodka Nabadda (Peace process) and Maan-Dooriye (Drugs). His creative genius has been instrumental in furthering the literary culture of Somali’s.

Hormuud Telecom

Special Recognition Award

International Somali Award introduces the first recipient of the Special Recognition Award; Hormuud Telecom. Hormuud has played a key role in the nation-building of Somalia and stabilised economic markets in metropolitan zones such as Mogadishu when chaos engulfed other traditional institutions. After 16 years of resilience, Hormuud Telecom is now the leading telecommunication service providers in Somalia. Hormuud consistently helped build the future leaders of Somalia through continued support of many Somali orphanages with a heavy focus on education for the children and their future development. Hormuud also provides 10 university scholarships every year, to those who are excelling in their secondary education, however, can not afford the university fees. It is incredible to see a business who has played a big role in shaping Somali’s economy and also is helping shape Somalia’s future, though its future leaders.

Muhidin Abubakar

Sports person of the year

Muhidin Abubakar is a 21year old MMA fighter ranked #1 in the uk. Currently holder of 4 belts, LFC,Fightstar,Rise of champions and Cage warriors Academy. Muhidin is considered a young emerging star in the MMA world.

Habo Tuna Factory

Business of the Year

Habo Tuna is a leading producer, distributor and marketer of shelf-stable seafood products in East Africa. The factory is located Gulf Of Aden Sea in Somalia 60km from Allula district Puntland State of Somalia. Over the last few decades, Habo has continued to grow fresh and high-quality canned products for the local market and employs over 300 at its factory in Habo and another 700 fisherfolk.

Dr. Hodan Isse

Outstanding Educational Achievement

Dr. Hodan Isse is a Somali-American economics and finance academic with a PhD in Economics from George Mason University in Virginia. Dr. Isse is a certified Islamic Finance expert and clinical assistant professor emeritus at the University of Buffalo. Dr. Isse’s honours include recognition as one of 200 women who changed the world in 2017 and a member of the UN African Leader Network in 2018. Dr. Isse serves as a UNFPA and UNIEF goodwill ambassador for gender equality issues.

Abukar Awale

Community Award

The Qaadiid (Ban Khat) campaign is a movement which began in 2006 and brought about a landmark win in the U.K to ban the stimulant Khat. Awale has continued his work in Somalia, through school and university talks, to discourage young people from using the drug. The campaign has raised important conversations on the future well-being of Somali populations if the drug continues to be deregulated. @Abukarawale

Ogow Health

Innovative Award

OGOW EMR is designed to enable electronic medical records systems to be made available in hospitals across Somalia. Ogow EMR has received grants from foundations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation to improve infant vaccination coverage. OGOW has received positive reviews for its innovative approach to promoting health and wellbeing. @OgowEMR

Aar Maanta

Arts and Entertainment

Aar Maanta is a Somali singer and song-writer who’s song ‘Tahriib’ was reproduced in 2017 by the UN as ‘Dangerous Crossings’ to promote a major campaign about irregular movements. Aar has served as artist in residence at the Minnesota Cedar Cultural Center. Aar is a recipient of the Joyce Award for the production of the first bilingual Somali/English children’s album in collaboration with his band and renowned Somali literary icon Professor Said Salah. @AarMaanta

Salaam Somali Bank

Special Recognition Award

Salaam Somali Bank (SSB) is the first privately owned bank in Somalia. We began our operations on October 2009. The bank is regulated by the Central Bank of Somalia. SSB is owned by trusted Somali business owners and is run by a dedicated team of professionals with over 20 years of experience in banking and financial management services.

Dr Said Salah

Life time achievement award

Dr Said Salah is a lifetime educator, presently teaching in the Department of American & African Studies at the University of Minnesota, teaching Somali language courses at all levels. Prior to his life in Minnesota, Dr Said wrote and directed a feature film in Somali/English called The Somali Dervish (1985). Presented in epic form, it charts the historic Dervish movement led by Sayid Mohamed Abdalla Hassan. Dr Said Salah is a living sample of the Somali music and arts, his contribution through books, songs, films and poetry is well recognised and appreciated amongst the Somalis and beyond.

Abdulkarim Abdallah Qubaye

Sports person of the year

Abdulkarim Abdallah Qubaye is regarded by many as the Messi of Somalia. For the past few years, he has dominated the minds of football fans across Somalia and beyond. He is a shining light in what has been a difficult few decade for Horseed FC. Qubaye is now leading the charge for rekindling the lost glory of Horseed FC who are the 2021 champions of Somalia’s first division league.

Beydan

Business of the Year

Beydan, a family run independent Coffee Shop located in the heart of Mogadishu, Somalia, revolutionising the way Somalia drinks coffee while using local products. Beydan is known for its aromatic coffee and its variety of delicious homemade cakes, pastries, and freshly prepared sandwiches. Somalia has seen a rise of the coffee culture, with Beydan being the first coffee shop in Mogadishu.

Awale Ahmed

Educational Achievement

Awale Ahmed is a remarkable young man that has excelled and made history as the first student to score the highest marks ever recorded in Somalia’s national exams history since the collapse of the Somali state. Awale has achieved this whilst facing enormous challenges which involved traveling through three regions in Somalia just to sit in the final exam.

Mama Hawa Mohamed Aden

Community Award

Waafi is an All-In-One fin-tech app, which gives clients access to a range of digital services across a singular platform. Consumers can access bank accounts, perform online transactions, book flights, book hotels, send international remittances and make international/domestic phone calls all from inside the app.

Waafi

Innovative Award

Waafi is an All-In-One fin-tech app, which gives clients access to a range of digital services across a singular platform. Consumers can access bank accounts, perform online transactions, book flights, book hotels, send international remittances and make international/domestic phone calls all from inside the app.

Arts and Entertainment

Innovative Award

Astaan TV is a privately owned and leading television channel in Somalia that nurtures and gives a platform to Somali culture, music and entertainment and sports by using high quality production and innovative ways of presenting entertaining programs.

View All ISA Past Winners