Ahmed M. Musa grew up in Somaliland. He still remembers how the war in Somalia in 1990 played a huge part as an enemy to progress. It led to the separation of Somaliland from Somalia. His family was dependent on his grandfather as the sole bread winner and when he passed away in 1991, things fell apart.

Most Somalis fled Somaliland and became refugees in other countries. I remember we survived on bitter tree leaves for a month. I hated it. I can still taste that bitterness in my mouth today. It was devastating being forced to eat them.

When Hargeisa stabilized in 1992, his mother became the sole bread winner hawking second hand clothes and trading livestock. Ahmed made a vow to himself to work extremely hard and take over from her.

I wanted to further my education but my Somali passport was rejected in almost all countries I applied to.

Through persistence and countless trials, Musa finally made it to Kampala International University in Uganda to pursue a BA in Human Resources Management. He had to learn English in his first year in order to be at par with others.

Not only did he learn English, he also became the minister of finance in the university and was awarded as one of the best to have sat in that chair. After graduation, he pursued a Masters degree in Public Administration in the same university.

He faced serious difficulty upon going back home because of unemployment. One not to loose focus, he made countless applications and built his networks. This led to getting employed as a lecturer, becoming the training manager of the Somaliland National Electoral Commission to working with Action Aid as a project manager among other various positions.

When he got selected to YALI 2015, he was ecstatic. He confesses that the program opened his eyes to a positive Africa. It connected him to various people across the globe and taught him to become a great leader.

My vision is to inspire and influence young people. I am currently building my business and impact acumen. I look forward to working and influencing the youth through organizations like the African Union, The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) among others.

I always encourage young African leaders to gain knowledge and keep developing their skills.

What do you have in your hands? How can you use it? Forget your past, any current distractions and focus on your vision. Have crazy mad desire!

Ahmed’s dream is to become part of the team growing and taking Somali land to the next level. After constantly applying for scholarships to pursue his PHD, he was considered for Chevening, GOVSEA, Princeton and School of African oriental studies.

It was a hard choice. I chose the one that came first, GOVSEA. I am currently pursuing my PHD at the University of Nairobi.

Fun? I am trying to adjust to fun activities. My child hood was beyond hard. I never had fun. I love meeting people, building networks and creating relationships. This has helped me be at ease.

Keep soaring like the eagle you are Ahmed. Success indeed comes from loads of determination and smart hard work!

The post Suffering In A War Torn Country Made Me Vow To Pursue Leadership Skills. Ahmed M. Musa appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

When I met Muna at President Obama’s Young African Leadership Initiative, I was quickly drawn to her charm, beauty and smartness.

Tell us a little bit about your background in a snap shot- education, career history and where you are now.

I grew up in Hargeisa, the home of poets, entrepreneurs and scholars. I studied what I love, Applied Science and Somali literature and Creative Writing from the University Of Hargeisa and graduated in 2014. I also have a diploma in Human Development.

Growing up, I was a very curious girl. I was surrounded by lots of creativity. We had numerous cave paintings from the Neolithic period which are found in the Laas Geel complex, on the outskirts of Hargeisa.

There are herds upon herds of camels in my community. If you did not find me trying to suck milk straight from the camel, you would find me trying to squeeze myself in the middle of adults eating camel meat and especially the hump or drinking camel milk which is very healthy by the way.

I mean, I liked being respected and listening to old tales and current affairs and if it took forcing my way into old people’s gatherings, I had to.

I am now a full time writer and a youth activist. I started a few years ago with the writing and when I would tell people that I am in to it, most of them did not believe me, I mean, they did not understand how a quiet sweet little cute girl could write (She bursts out laughing).

Have you encountered many challenges being a woman in the industry?

When I first shared my fictional stories, they were always unexpectedly captivating to the audience. This caught my community by surprise and they really appreciated my work. My work mainly focuses on community issues and raising awareness on tribalism, youth immigration and so on.

I have won three creative writing competitions which gave me momentum to continue sharing serious matters and in a creative way with my community. I published my first book in July 2014, Baadidoon, Which means “looking for.” It was well received. I am an active member of a writing club called Hargeisa International Book Fair, one of the biggest book festivals in East Africa.

My community respects women and men equally and this has not been a challenge. I am encouraged because there are many women across Africa who are rising in to positions of influence and I feel there is room for many more.

My passion is to inspire young people to be patriotic, to love and embrace their roots and be a part of contributing to the growth of their respective countries.

I like that you mentioned your passion in mentoring young people. Please tell us more about that.

My fictional stories have engaged a lot of young people, I love meeting with them. Most of them read my work and have joined the writing community.

Isn’t that amazing? We have many untold stories in this continent. We are the most richest when it comes to traditional culture, we must share and appreciate it.

My work has helped trigger a sense of curiosity for the audiences. When I first started publishing my stories on my personal blog, hundreds of people used to visit it each day. I observed that I had unknowingly manufactured an opportunity to influence others. This led to my work being published.

I also do not limit myself to my culture. I once wrote an article about the famous english drama ‘Hamlet’ by Shakespeare after a performance that was held in Hargeisa early last year.

Where do you draw your main influences from?

Africa is my muse. The people, traditions, different cultures, history, flora etc., Anything that exudes creativity does it for me.

You have become quite the celebrity in this YALI cohort. There is even a Muna song. Why is that?

Oh my goodness, Isn’t obvious? Everyone loves my name. It means beautiful or a unique flower. I also think there is a ring to it, don’t you? (She laughs and gives me a high five). One day someone started singing “Muna..Muna..Muna..Muna” and the song stuck and has now become my name. (She bursts in to the Muna song). Pardon my manners, I just love that Arabic tune with my name on it. I also love people, comedy, fun and dancing.

Your advice for young African leaders out there?

Dear young African Leaders the most precious gift that Africa has is us. Let’s put our hands together. Let’s make our continent the best continent in the world. Constantly equip yourself. Apply for opportunities.

I am this far because of great determination and action. I know that right now being in YALI has changed my perspectives and I have made connections that will last forever with other African leaders. I beg you not to watch TV the whole day and say you are waiting for the government to create jobs, my friend, you are the government!

What’s next for you, and how can we see more of Muna Axmed?

Within the next 10 years, I want to see the changes that I have made in my community come to fruition. I intend to help build a library in every village and city in Somaliland. I want to equip young people and positively impact my community.

Please do tell of a funny/crazy/weird thing you have ever done?

I once wrote an article about the cockroaches!

Africa in three words?

Home of adventure, love and happiness.

Favourite food and why?

Chocolates! they make me irrationally happy.

The post I Am A Creative Young Somali Leader Without Borders. Muna Axmed appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.