In a stirring address at yesterday’s Africa Climate Summit, Abdirahman Sheikh Ahmed, CEO and Chairman of Boodhari Mills – a pioneering fats-free flour and animal fodder producer – urged Somalilanders to bolster local industries as a frontline defense against climate change’s devastating impacts on food security and water resources.
The summit, themed around “Resilience in Food Security, Water Resources, and Investment,” highlighted Africa’s outsized vulnerability to global warming despite its minimal contribution.
“Africa accounts for only about five percent of global greenhouse gases that warm the planet,” Ahmed noted.
“Yet we bear the full brunt of the negatives – droughts, failed rainy seasons, and other climate shocks that threaten our livelihoods.”
As a proud Somalilander, Ahmed emphasized self-reliance as key to preparation. “One clear way forward is to invest in industries that build resilience,” he said. “These buffer systems can secure food in the short and long term, without waiting for external aid.”
Boodhari Mills, fully funded by diaspora and local investors, stands as a beacon of this approach. Launched in 2021 by Somali professionals abroad, the Hargeisa-based facility has emerged as one of East Africa’s most successful homegrown projects, producing high-quality flour and animal feed without relying on international grants or foreign entities. “It’s something we’re all proud of,” Ahmed declared. “We’ve proven that Somali ingenuity can drive sustainable impact.”
The company is now launching its second phase of expansion, aiming to scale up production of flour and animal fodder. This move comes at a critical time, as recurrent droughts ravage livestock – a cornerstone of Somaliland’s rural economy. “Animal fodder saves countless animals during dry spells,” Ahmed explained. “It benefits farmers and herders, preserves rural wealth, and even boosts government tax revenues from a healthier livestock sector. Without it, we’d lose more to famine and face even less taxable assets.”
In a direct call to action, Ahmed extended an open invitation to the global Somali community: “I invite all Somalis to invest in our company. We’re offering shares starting at a minimum of $1,500 and up. Time is limited – act now to join this growth story.”
Boodhari Mills’ model aligns seamlessly with the summit’s investment focus, demonstrating how private-sector innovation can address climate challenges head-on. Recent company updates highlight ongoing diaspora engagement, including events during Hargeisa’s Diaspora Week in August, where investors gathered to discuss returns and future legs of funding. Production milestones, shared via the company’s official channels, underscore its role in tackling food insecurity.
For those interested in shares or more details, visit  https://www.boodharimills.com/  http://boodharimills.com/, As Ahmed put it, “This isn’t just business – it’s building resilience for our people.”