65%
of the population is under the age of 40
An initiative by BarkulanHub
Mansa Musa Startup School.
Building a generation of purpose-driven entrepreneurs.
Applications opening sooninfo@barkulanhub.com
About MMS
Where legacy
meets innovation.
The Mansa Musa Startup School (MMS) is an 8-week entrepreneurship program by BarkulanHub that helps young people in Somaliland turn ideas into viable startups.
It takes its name from Mansa Musa, the 14th-century West African emperor celebrated for his prosperity, leadership and investment in knowledge: the vision and resourcefulness the program instills in every participant.
Apply
Programmes you can apply to.
Choose a programme to read what it is about and who can apply, then fill in the application form.
Problem and solution
Somaliland’s greatest asset is its youth.
75%
of the population is unemployed
5,000+
university graduates enter the job market every year
The problem
Higher education and the job market are disconnected. Many young people see migration as their only option, often risking their safety and their futures.
Our solution
Entrepreneurship as a pathway to self-reliance, innovation and local impact: young people who become job creators, not job seekers.
Vision, mission and goal
What we are building towards.
Vision
A thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem where young people lead inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Somaliland and beyond.
Mission
To empower early-stage entrepreneurs with world-class training, mentorship and tools to validate ideas, launch impactful ventures and access investment, while remaining rooted in their communities.
Goal
Every participant leaves with a validated idea, a working business model, a functioning MVP, and a pitch deck with a connection to investors.
Curriculum
Six weeks, from idea to pitch.
One topic a week, between an introduction week and graduation.
- 8 weeks in total
- Online on Google Meet
- 1 class per week, 1 to 2 hours
- 1 assignment per week
Week 1: Ideation
What we cover
- Problem
- Solution
- Insights
Week 2: Business Model
What we cover
- Types of business models
- Business model canvas
Week 3: Customer Development
Market research.
What we cover
- Customer discovery
- Customer validation
- Customer creation
- Company building (optional)
Week 4: Product Development
Building the MVP: a minimum viable product.
What we cover
- Discovery
- Definition
- Design
- Development
Week 5: Go-To-Market Strategy
What we cover
- Marketing mix
- 4Ps of marketing
- 4Cs of marketing
Week 6: Finance + Pitch Deck
What we cover
- Balance sheet
- Cash flow statement
- Income statement (profit & loss)
- A 12-slide pitch deck
Week 8
Graduation Day (Demo Day)
Participants present their pitch deck and pitch to investors.
What makes MMS different
Made for here. Made for results.
01
Contextualized curriculum
Designed for the realities of Somaliland and the Horn of Africa.
02
Outcome-oriented
Graduates leave with a viable startup model, an MVP and an investor-ready pitch.
03
Gender inclusive
Equal representation of male and female participants.
04
Flexible & virtual
Accessible to young people across regions and the diaspora.
The team
The people behind MMS.
Get involved
The future belongs to those bold enough to build it.
Applications are not open at the moment. Partners, investors, mentors and institutions who share our vision are welcome to get in touch.
Applications opening sooninfo@barkulanhub.com