NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 1 – The eighth edition of the 100 Most Influential Somali People is seeking to highlight the growing economic contribution of Somali entrepreneurs, professionals and business leaders across Kenya, Somalia and the wider African market.

The growing economic footprint comes as Somali Magazine launches the eighth edition of its 100 Most Influential Somali People 2026, an initiative that seeks to recognize individuals whose work is shaping business and other sectors across the Somali community globally.

Somali Magazine CEO and founder Ridwan Yusuf Mohamud said Kenya’s position as a regional commercial hub has enabled Somali entrepreneurs to build businesses and networks that extend beyond the country.

“Somalis are known as business people, so it is all about supporting each other and taking risks. If you don’t take risks, you don’t know whether you are going to succeed or fail,” Mohamud said.

“Kenya is a hub for the Somali community, and we are very proud of that. You must have realized the contribution of Somalis to Kenya’s GDP when you look at Eastleigh alone, where the contribution to Nairobi’s GDP is huge, mainly driven by the Somali community,” he said.

Eastleigh has developed into one of Nairobi’s major commercial centres, with businesses linked to the Somali community active in wholesale and retail trade, imports, logistics, real estate, hospitality and financial services.

Mohamud said the growth of Somali enterprises was increasingly extending beyond Eastleigh and Nairobi, with entrepreneurs establishing businesses and commercial networks across Kenya and other African markets.

He also pointed to the role of informal business networks and community support in helping entrepreneurs access opportunities and manage commercial risks.

The cross-border networks could also strengthen commercial links between Kenya and Somalia, particularly in trade, logistics and investment, as businesses seek opportunities across the two neighboring markets.

The 2026 edition will cover eight categories including politics and leadership, business, exports, Islamic scholarship, activism, journalism, entertainment and social media influencing.

The categories are designed to recognize Somali professionals and leaders based not only in Somalia but also in Kenya, other parts of East Africa and the global diaspora.

The nominations opened on October 1 and will close on November 20, 2026, with the recognition programme set to culminate in an awards ceremony later in the year.

The programme will also recognize the Person of the Year 2026.

Mohamud said the initiative is intended to showcase achievements within the Somali community while encouraging others to pursue entrepreneurship, professional development and community leadership.