My YEPS II Experience in Nairobi
In September 2026, I had the opportunity to participate in YEPS II, a programme focused on capacity development to promote employment and entrepreneurship for youth and vulnerable people in Somalia.
The programme brought together young entrepreneurs and professionals to learn, exchange experiences, understand business ecosystems and develop practical strategies for growing their businesses.
For me, the programme was more than just attending a workshop. It was an opportunity to step away from my daily work, reflect on what I am building, learn from other entrepreneurs and think more deeply about the future of Garad AI.
From Somalia to Nairobi
I travelled from Somalia to Nairobi, Kenya, to participate in the programme.
During the programme, we attended different sessions covering entrepreneurship, business growth, digital marketing, partnerships, market opportunities and business strategy.
One of the things I appreciated most was that the programme was not limited to theory. We were encouraged to think about our own businesses, identify where we are today and develop practical actions for where we want to go next.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
One of the important parts of YEPS II was the opportunity to learn outside the workshop room.
We participated in field visits and reflection sessions, including visits that allowed us to see entrepreneurship and business development from a practical perspective.
These experiences helped me understand that building a successful business is not only about having a good product. It is also about understanding customers, building partnerships, creating value and continuously learning from the ecosystem around you.
Bringing Garad AI to the Programme
A particularly important part of my participation was developing and presenting the Garad AI Business Strategy and Growth Plan.
As the Founder & CTO of Garad AI, I used the programme to reflect on the problem Garad AI is trying to solve and how the company can grow over the next six months.
Garad AI was created with a simple idea: to make AI more accessible and practical for people, entrepreneurs and businesses in Somalia.
For a long time, artificial intelligence in Somalia was mainly discussed through events, workshops and awareness activities. I wanted Garad AI to help move that conversation from talking about AI to actually using AI.
Garad AI brings multiple AI capabilities into one platform, allowing users to use AI for productivity, content creation, business activities, creative work and other practical needs.
During the programme, I presented our six-month growth plan, including customer acquisition, digital marketing, partnerships and measurable growth targets.
Connecting AI With Youth Innovation
Another important area for me is the connection between AI and youth development.
Garad AI is currently working with Arkaan AI Center under Arkaan Leadership & Innovation Hub to support young people in learning practical AI skills and developing innovative ideas.
The goal is not simply to teach young people how to use AI.
It is to help them build something with AI — solutions that can address real challenges, create opportunities and respond to needs in the market and community.
This is an area I want to continue developing after YEPS II.
What I Took Away From YEPS II
The programme gave me several important lessons.
First, entrepreneurship requires continuous learning.
No matter how much experience we have, there is always something new to learn from other entrepreneurs, mentors and ecosystems.
Second, partnerships matter.
A business does not grow alone. Strong relationships with organisations, businesses, entrepreneurs and development partners can create opportunities that would be difficult to achieve individually.
Third, strategy must lead to action.
A business plan is valuable when it becomes a practical roadmap with clear priorities, responsibilities and measurable results.
Finally, young people need opportunities to build.
Training and awareness are important, but giving young people the tools, networks and opportunities to turn their knowledge into real solutions is equally important.
Looking Ahead
As I return to my work after YEPS II, my focus is on applying what I learned.
For Garad AI, the next phase will focus on growing our user base, supporting Somali SMEs, strengthening partnerships, expanding practical AI education and encouraging more young innovators to build with AI.
The experience in Nairobi reminded me that the future of entrepreneurship is not only about having ideas. It is about having the courage to build, learn, collaborate and keep improving.
From learning to building.
That is the lesson I take with me from YEPS II.
And that is the direction I want to continue with Garad AI.
Jabir Osman Gedi
Founder & CTO, Garad AI
Nairobi, Kenya — September 2026