Empowering
Who We Are
Somo is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports sustainable growth and job creation for micro and small businesses in marginalized
communities in East Africa. Named after the Swahili word for "lesson", Somo supports diverse entrepreneurs in urban and rural areas. We ensure each donation directly fosters growth, sustainability, innovation, and job creation.
Vision: A world where empowered local entrepreneurs drive meaningful change. Somo envisions empowered entrepreneurs fostering sustainable communities and leading impactful economic transformation across Africa.
Mission: Equipping local marginalized entrepreneurs with tools to thrive. Our mission is to provide the infrastructure, financing, and digital resources necessary to drive sustainable enterprise growth and job creation for women, youth, and persons living with disabilities in underserved communities.
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Businesses Financed
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Total Financed
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Business Owners supported with Digital Business Skills
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Jobs Created
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% of Women Supported
How Somo Creates Change
From entrepreneurial opportunity to stronger household livelihoods
Our theory of change in four steps. Step 1: we serve underserved entrepreneurs. Step 2: DigiKua and Tengeneza na Somo, working together, support them. Step 3: together they produce enterprise outcomes and household outcomes. Step 4: the long-term impact is better livelihoods and sustainable pathways out of poverty.
1Who we serve
Underserved entrepreneurs
particularly women and youth
facing barriers to skills, finance and production infrastructure.
2What we do
DigiKua
Digital Business Empowerment- Entrepreneurship learning (LMS)
- Bookkeeping & alternative credit scoring
- AI coaching & financial insights
- Direct pathways to concessional finance
Tengeneza na Somo
Production Infrastructure- Shared machinery and affordable production facilities
- Hands-on technical production support
- Value addition and improved productivity
3What changes
Enterprise outcomes
- More profitable and resilient businesses
- Higher incomes & sustainable jobs
Household outcomes
- School fees, healthcare & health insurance
- Better living conditions, savings & security
4Impact
DigiKua and Tengeneza na Somo work together, and together they strengthen both enterprises and households. The Somo Model below shows how this is delivered: financing pathways sit within DigiKua, and business development support runs across both.
The Somo Model
Powered by Digital AI Tools
DigiKua: Localized learning and financial record keeping powered by real-time data, creates alternative credit scoring and smart coaching.
Physical Infrastructure
Shared circular facilities for agricultural value addition , production, certification, and product innovation training.
Financing Infrastructure
Working capital and alternative credit, designed for underserved women, youth and persons with disability.
De-risked by Technical & Business Support
Coaching and capacity-building tailored to early stage and market ready micro and small enterprises in Africa
Somo Entrepreneurs
Somo supports diverse entrepreneurs in marginalized communities, offering essential resources, knowledge, funding, and market access. We ensure each donation directly fosters growth, sustainability, innovation, and job creation.
Hear from our Entrepreneurs
Somo Africa has played a role in both developing my business skills and exposure. I have found my purpose in social entrepreneurship by not only selling products but also making a difference in other people's lives
Apetsi, Kwa Mushroom (Kakamega)
Agriculture
Hear from our Entrepreneurs
Somo Africa has been the catalyst for our journey, guiding us from the innovative recycling of tires to the establishment of our own factory. Their unwavering support, from entrepreneurial training to funding and one-on-one coaching, has not only allowed us to turn tires into genuine leather sandals but also dreams into reality. Together, we're crafting a future where discarded tires mean new beginnings, where unemployment is replaced with empowerment, and where sustainability meets style. Our journey, fueled by Somo Africa's belief in our vision, is a testament to the profound change that can happen when mentorship meets innovation and factory doors swing open to boundless opportunities.
Rosaly, Roak Wear (Mombasa)
Textiles
Hear from our Entrepreneurs
Somo Africa has empowered me with knowledge, skills, network and confidence. Since I joined Somo Africa my sales have increased to 98% , through Somo have been able to train more youth how to cut blocks that has lead to employment
Queen, Njoki Builders (Mombasa)
Construction
