Surprising to many outsiders, frankincense and myrrh are the two most exported commodities from the Somali regions, after livestock. Both products have traditionally been used for incense and perfumes throughout the world, and there is growing demand from medical research centers. However, local traders tend to buy products in bulk, and sell to Middle East buyers who process and package commercial grade gums and resins for higher end markets in the EU and around the world. As Ismail Siyad Abdi and his business partners began exploring this sector, they saw a lot of opportunity for growth, job creation, and skills transfer which would allow more local value addition.

USAID’s Partnership for Economic Growth (PEG) facilitates collaboration between local governments and the private sector to accelerate economic growth, increase investment, and generate productive employment across Somalia. By working with small and medium enterprises, producer organizations, women’s groups, trade and business associations, community-based organizations, and government counterparts, PEG is improving the investment climate across Somalia, creating jobs, and introducing new and better products to the local market. PEG also works with all levels of government across all Somali regions to support the development of policies and regulatory frameworks that create an enabling environment for business growth.