Abdi Awad Ali
Abdi Awad Ali | |
|---|---|
| Cabdi Cawad Cali عبدي عوض علي | |
| Born | 1943 |
| Died | July 7, 2006(aged 62–63) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Years active | 1955-2006 |
| Organization | Indhadeero Group of Companies |
| Known for | CEO |
HajiAbdi Awad Ali(Somali:Xaaji Cabdi Cawad Cali,Arabic:عبدي عوض علي), more commonly known asIndhadeerowas a Somali entrepreneur and the founder and former CEO ofIndhadeero Group of Companies.[1][2][3]He is known as the wealthiest businessperson inBuraoand one of the most notorious Somali entrepreneurs.[3][4]
Biography
[edit]Haji Abdi Awad Ali was born in 1943 inAinabo,thenBritish Somaliland,to a family of pastoral nomads consisting of two girls and three boys. Haji Abdi belongs to theHabr Je'loclan, part of the widerIsaaqclan-family.[5][6]At the ages of 7 and 8 Haji Abdi was orphaned as both his parents died, which later on prompted Haji Abdi to move to Burao at the age of 12 to make a living.[1]
Career
[edit]
In Burao Haji Abdi started his business career at the lowest level, selling small items such as matches, scissors, needles and cigarettes, however as his profits increased he founded Indhadeero Group of Companies in 1960, and later began importing goods fromHargeisaandBerberain 1962 to sell in Burao, connecting with many members of the business community on the way.[1]In 1967 Haji Abdi opened his first three stores in Burao, and then proceeded to open a hawala store in 1972, mainly facilitating the transfer of funds between Somaliland and guest workers in the Gulf.[1]Indhadeero Group became one of two major Somali trading companies that flourished during the 1970s oil boom and emerged as major players in the domestic economy, the other one beingDahabshiil.[7][8]
By 1983 Haji Abdi's company expanded, exporting livestock and importing foodstuff, clothes, building materials, auto spare parts, among other essential goods.[9][1]
As theSomaliland War of Independencewas in its infancy theSiad Barreregime started harassing the localIsaaqpopulation of the north.[10]Haji Abdi was arrested and sentenced to death in December 1984, along with 44 other victims standing accused of association with theSNM.At the last minute, however, Haji Abdi and another businessman from Burao were spared due to the size of the loans they owed the banks.[11][1]
By 2004, Haji Abdi was among a handful of Isaaq businessmen who held a monopoly over the import-export business in Somaliland, with Haji Abdi being the largest importer of building material, fueling Somaliland's reconstruction after the war, as well as being the largest exporter of mutton to Saudi Arabia,[2]later on becoming a market leader in the livestock export sector.[12][13]By 2005–2006, his company was estimed to be worth over $280 million.[12]
Death and legacy
[edit]Haji Abdi died on 7 July 2006 in Burao, Somaliland.[1]His company, Indhadeero Group of Companies, is currently managed by his sons.[14]The company ownsDeero Mall,one of the largest malls in Hargeisa, Somaliland's capital.[3]
References
[edit]- ^abcdefgMaxamed Jaamac, Axmed.Taariikhdii Marxuum Indhadeero.
- ^abThe Indian Ocean Newsletter.Indian Ocean Information and Documentation Bank. 2004.
- ^abcSamatar, Ahmed I."The Making of Dahabshiil, A Brief Interview".Bildhaan.21:39.
- ^Aden, Abdullahi Osman."BOQOL KA QOF (100) EE UGU MAGACA WEYN AMA UGU CAANSAN SOOMAALIDA".Academia.
- ^Phillips, Sarah (2013). "Political Settlements and State Formation: The Case of Somaliland".Developmental Leadership Program:46 – viaUniversity of Sydney.
- ^"Somaliland: The Strains of Success | Crisis Group".crisisgroup.org.5 October 2015. p. 5.Retrieved18 June2024.
- ^"Strengthening Regional and Middle Eastern States' Engagement in Somali Stability: Options and Entry Points".Somalia Stability Fund.Retrieved18 June2024.
- ^de Waal, Alex (2017). "Horn of Africa and Red Sea Synthesis Paper".Conflict Research Programme:6 – viaThe London School of Economics and Political Science.
- ^Chamber of Commerce directory.Somali Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture. 1983. p. 155.
- ^FitzGerald, V.; Stewart, F.; Venugopal, R. (5 May 2006).Globalization, Self-Determination and Violent Conflict.Springer.ISBN978-0-230-50237-6.
- ^Somalia: A Government at War With Its Own People(PDF).Human Rights Watch. 1990. p. 65.
- ^ab"Somaliland Livestock Sector Guide - Full Report | SomalilandBiz".SomalilandBiz - Business News, Guides & Insights in Somaliland.Retrieved18 June2024.
- ^"The Economy Of Somaliland: An Economy Without Recognition | Saxafi Media".29 August 2019.Retrieved18 June2024.
- ^"Ilmo Xaaji Cabdi Cawad Indha Deero".CBATV.Retrieved18 June2024.