Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Program Descriptions

This program outlines the establishment of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management at SIMAD University. The curriculum is designed to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets, develop leaders driven by innovation, and equip students with practical tools for launching and managing sustainable businesses. It aligns with Somalia’s National Development Plan (NDP-9), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in fostering youth employment, private sector development, and innovation ecosystems.

Background and Rationale
Somalia occupies a critical position in which entrepreneurship and innovation are essential drivers of economic recovery, job creation, and sustainable development. The Somali economy is predominantly influenced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), diaspora investments, financial technology, telecommunications, agribusiness, and real estate. However, there is a lack of structured training programs for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators.

Youth Empowerment: With 70% of the Somali population under the age of 30, it is imperative to leverage this demographic advantage by channeling it towards productive entrepreneurial activities.
SME Dominance: SMEs account for over 80% of the Somali economy. Enhancing SMEs’ management and innovation capacities can substantially contribute to national economic growth.
Policy Alignment: The program is aligned with the priorities outlined in the National Development Plan 9 (NDP-9), which includes economic growth, employment, and governance, as well as Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

University Strategy: The strategic plan of SIMAD University emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation as fundamental pillars.

Mode of Study

Open & Distance Learning: (Online)
Tri-semester system: 3 semesters per academic year
Program Duration: 5 years

Program Objectives: The BBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation aims to:

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in business administration.
The aim is to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking, creativity, and innovation.
The program equips students with practical business planning, design thinking, and venture creation skills.
It also seeks to enhance the capacity for managing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), family businesses, and startups.
Furthermore, the program promotes sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible entrepreneurship in Somalia, contributing to the country’s innovation ecosystem and knowledge economy.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, graduates will be able to:

Apply the fundamental principles of business administration to management, finance, marketing, and operations.
Develop and evaluate entrepreneurial ventures and innovative business models.
Design thinking and creativity techniques have been used to solve real-world problems.
Demonstrate competence in SME management and scaling strategies.
Integrating Islamic finance and ethical considerations into entrepreneurial practices.
Communicate effectively, work in teams, and apply digital technologies in business.
Engaging in lifelong learning contributes to Somalia’s socioeconomic development.

Career opportunities for BBA among entrepreneurship and Innovation Graduates Entrepreneurship & Self-Employment
Graduates are equipped to:

Initiate and manage their own enterprises, including start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and family businesses.
Develop social enterprises addressing societal challenges, such as youth unemployment, education, health, and climate change.
Innovate within traditional Somali industries, including livestock, agriculture, fisheries, construction, and logistics.
Launch ventures in digital entrepreneurship encompass e-commerce, mobile applications, financial technology (fintech), and online services.
Establish startups in creative industries, such as fashion, media, design, and entertainment.

Corporate and private sector career

Graduates may also pursue roles within established businesses, including business development managers, and identify growth opportunities, markets, and partnerships.
Innovation Manager/Product Development Officer: Driving innovations in products and services.
SME Consultant/Advisor: Supporting local enterprises in scaling operations.
Operations and supply chain analysts: Enhancing efficiency in trading, logistics, and services.
Marketing and Brand Manager: Leading innovative marketing campaigns, particularly in digital contexts.
Corporate Strategy Officer: Supporting innovation strategies in the telecommunications, banking, fintech, and real estate sectors.

Development & Public Sector Careers

Given Somalia’s developmental needs, graduates can pursue careers such as:
Entrepreneurship Program Manager: Collaborating with NGOs, UN agencies, or government ministries to promote SME growth.
Youth and Innovation Specialists: Developing policies and programs for youth entrepreneurship.
Microfinance/Islamic Finance Officer: Supporting small businesses through Sharia-compliant finance.
Project Coordinator (SMEs and Innovation): Implementing donor-funded entrepreneurship and innovation projects.
Policy Analyst in Trade and Innovation: Contributing to national and regional economic policy frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Ninth National Development Plan (NDP-9).

Academic and research career

Graduates may continue in academia or research by becoming research assistants/associates, conducting studies on entrepreneurship, SMEs, and innovation ecosystems.
Lecturer in Entrepreneurship/Innovation: Following Postgraduate Study (MBA/PhD).
Policy Researcher: Contributing to think tanks and advisory firms.

Emerging and Future-Focused Opportunities

In Somalia and East Africa, graduates will also be well-positioned to engage in:
FinTech and Mobile Money Innovations, building on platforms such as EVC Plus and ZAAD.
Agri-Tech Startups, utilizing technology to enhance farming, fisheries, and supply chains.
Green and Sustainable Entrepreneurship includes renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and recycling ventures.
Diaspora Engagement Initiatives mobilize Somali diaspora capital into local ventures.
Creative and Digital Economy encompasses software development, design, and e-learning platforms.

Common Courses

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NO	SUBJECT	Descriptions
1	IML I
2	Study Skills	Builds academic learning strategies, critical thinking, and time management.
3	Arabic Language I	Develops reading, writing, and comprehension skills in Arabic.
4	IML II
5	Computer studies	Basic computer architecture, IT concepts, and applications.
6	Arabic Language II	Develops reading, writing, and comprehension skills in Arabic.
7	Principle of management	Introduces management theories, leadership, and organizational behavior.
8	Islamic Studies I	Introduces Islamic principles, ethics, and economic dealings.
9	Communication Skills	Enhances oral and written professional communication.
10	CAT	Practical training in MS Office, productivity software, and digital literacy.
11	ISL.STUDY II ((Fiqh Muamalat)	Introduces Islamic principles, ethics, and economic dealings.
12	Somalia Studies	Explores Somali history, culture, society, and civic responsibility.
13	Research Methodology	Introduces scientific methods, data collection, and academic writing.
14	Critical Thinking	Develops reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
15	Conflict resolutions	Provides strategies for managing disputes in personal and professional settings
16	Graduation Project	Capstone project to demonstrate applied knowledge and innovation.

Program Courses

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NO	SUBJECT	Descriptions
1	Commerce	Foundations of trade, markets, and business activities.
2	General Mathematics	Provides essential math concepts for business and computing.
3	Business Mathematics	Application of math in finance, accounting, and decision-making.
4	Principle of accounting I	Recording, classifying, and summarizing business transactions.
5	Introduction to business organization	Structures, functions, and roles of business entitie
6	Micro economic	Analysis of consumer behavior, firms, and markets.
7	Principle of accounting II	Fundamentals of financial reporting, bookkeeping, and analyzing accounting statements.
8	Macroeconomic	National income, inflation, unemployment, and fiscal/monetary policies.
9	Business Law	Legal principles affecting business operations and contracts.
10	Introduction to research	Basics of designing and conducting business research.
11	Cost Accounting	Methods of costing, cost control, and decision-making.
12	Business Statistics I	Teaches descriptive and inferential statistics for data analysis.
13	Business Statistics II	Teaches descriptive and inferential statistics for data analysis.
14	Principles of Marketing	Fundamentals of market research, consumer behavior, and promotion.
15	Principles of Finance	Introduction to financial systems, investment, and capital management.
16	Human resource management	Recruitment, training, performance appraisal, and labor relations
17	Quantitative analysis	Application of quantitative models for decision-making.

Specialization courses

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NO	SUBJECT	Descriptions
1	Organizational behavior	Examines individual and group behavior in organizations.
2	Business Value and Ethics	Ethical decision-making and corporate social responsibility.
3	Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship	Introduction to starting and managing new ventures.
4	Fundamentals of Digital Marketing	Using digital tools and platforms for promotion.
5	Strategic Management	Long-term planning and competitive strategies.
6	Principles of Procurement	Acquisition, sourcing, and supply management.
7	Design Thinking	Human-centered innovation for problem-solving.
8	Project Management	Planning, executing, and evaluating projects.
9	Negotiation Skills	Principles and strategies of effective negotiation.
10	Entrepreneurial Finance	Financing new ventures and managing startup capital.
11	International Business	Globalization, trade, and multinational enterprises.
12	Management Information Systems	Using IT to support business decision-making.
13	Operation and production management	Managing resources, production, and quality.
14	Creativity and Innovation Management	Processes for fostering organizational innovation
15	Business Models	Frameworks for designing, testing, and scaling ventures.
16	Social Entrepreneurship	Business approaches addressing social/environmental issues.
17	Family Business Management	Managing and sustaining family-owned enterprises.
18	Change Management	Leading and adapting to organizational change.
19	Digital Entrepreneurship	Online ventures, e-commerce, and fintech opportunities.
20	Business Intelligence Analytics	Using data analytics for decision-making.
21	Global Venture	Expanding businesses into international markets.
22	Innovation and Technology Management	Managing R&D, product innovation, and technology adoption.

Admission

Undergraduate Requirement

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Tution Fees

Affordable tuition fees with flexible plans, making quality education accessible for every learner

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Online Payment Procedures

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About Admission

At SIMAD Olearn, admission is simple, transparent, and learner-focused. We welcome students from diverse backgrounds and provide equal opportunities to access quality education. The process is straightforward check your eligibility, submit your application, and secure your spot in our programs. With flexible tuition plans and continuous support, we make your learning journey smooth from admission to graduation.