Engagement year: 2021
Focus area: Kenya

SOMO is a business accelerator that supports micro and small businesses in marginalized communities in East Africa.

Named after the Swahili word for "lesson", SOMO supports entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, financing, and market access, as well as a set of digital tools that provide customized training and track business performance. Loans to entrepreneurs range between USD 100 to USD 5’000.

SOMO is also behind Tengeneza Na Somo, a shared production hub. These shared facilities allow small businesses and entrepreneurs to access high-quality equipment without the burden of upfront capital costs, fostering innovation and production flexibility. The hubs eliminate the traditional barriers of high capital investment, making quality production accessible to everyone and reducing post harvest losses.

Read more about Somo here