By Goth Mohamed Goth
BURAO, Somaliland – Jama Adan, known globally in athletic circles as “Coach Jama Karaaciin,” has traded the finish line for a new frontier. After a storied four-decade career shaping Olympic champions and world-class runners, the revered coach is now cultivating a different kind of legacy—one of community, culture, and sustainable investment in his homeland of Somaliland.
Adan’s own feet first found fame on the track in the 1970s when he became the first Somali-speaking athlete to win a major international university running competition. He seamlessly transitioned into coaching, building a legendary reputation by training hundreds of medal-winning athletes from powerhouse nations like the United States, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
Today, his arena is the vast landscape of eastern Somaliland. In a move that has captivated the nation, Adan has become a pioneering agribusiness entrepreneur and community developer. He has established a massive camel farm, over 250 strong, providing employment to local herdsmen and creating a unique supply chain for a burgeoning cultural enterprise.
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The heart of this venture is a popular resort outside Burao, where the farm’s fresh camel milk is served alongside traditional Somaliland cuisine.
By night, the space comes alive with the sounds of Qaaci music and the strum of the Kaban (guitar), creating a vibrant hub that celebrates Somali heritage and has become a must-visit destination for all.
But Adan’s vision extends far beyond a single successful business. He is a leading example of diaspora-led investment, channeling his resources into foundational infrastructure. 
His projects include the construction of modern hotels—one of the largest in Burao—as well as schools and comprehensive sports facilities, including football pitches, in remote areas that previously had none.
“He is not just building businesses; he is building the future of Somaliland,” notes a community elder. “He shows us what is possible when our heroes return home.”
Now, a growing chorus of citizens and admirers is calling for official recognition of Adan’s unparalleled contributions. There are fervent appeals for the Somaliland government to formally appoint him as the National Olympic Coach, a role that would harness his vast experience for a new generation. Many also advocate for the highest civic honors—suggesting streets be named in his legacy and his lifetime of awards be enshrined in a national museum.
Jama Adan’s journey from the pinnacle of international sports to the heart of Somali pastoral life is more than a career change; it is a powerful narrative of homecoming. He stands as a definitive role model, proving that the greatest victories are not only won on the world stage, but are also built in the communities we call home.
