In the sun-baked streets of Gabiley, a small town in Somaliland, a young boy’s modest trading venture in 1981 sparked what would become a sprawling business empire spanning continents. That boy was Mohamed Said Guedi, affectionately known among Somalis as “Ina Aw Siciid.”
Today, at the helm of the MSG Group of Companies—a diversified conglomerate with over 2,000 employees—Guedi stands as a testament to resilience and vision. His journey weaves through the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, transforming humble beginnings into multimillion-dollar enterprises in telecommunications, energy, manufacturing, and beyond. As Somaliland navigates its quest for recognition and economic self-sufficiency, Guedi’s story resonates as both inspiration and blueprint for homegrown success.
A Humble Start and Global Ambition
Born in Somaliland and holding dual nationality with Djibouti, Guedi launched MSG Trading ETS in 2001 as a modest export-import operation in the Horn of Africa. What began as short-haul trades evolved into a powerhouse under his leadership. By 2004, he had taken the reins of Independent Tobacco FZE in Dubai, one of the world’s largest exporters of cigarettes and tobacco products. Brands like Royal Cigarettes, now synonymous with quality in the region, trace their roots to his initiatives.
Guedi’s Midas touch extended further. In 2009, he founded SomCable LTD, revolutionizing connectivity by deploying over 1,400 kilometers of terrestrial fiber optic cables linking Djibouti, Somaliland, and Ethiopia. This network not only bridged digital divides but also positioned MSG as a key player in Africa’s e-commerce ambitions, rivaling global giants like Amazon. The group’s reach now encompasses fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), oil and gas exploration in partnership with UAE’s RAK Gas, shipping, logistics, and construction—sectors that collectively fuel economic corridors from Europe to the Arabian Peninsula.
Headquartered in Dubai and Djibouti, MSG’s operations reflect Guedi’s knack for strategic partnerships. His 2021 receipt of the UAE’s prestigious 10-year Golden Visa—making him the first from Somaliland and Djibouti to earn it—underscored his contributions as an investor who turns startups into revenue juggernauts. “The UAE has been a great place to do business,” Guedi remarked at the time, crediting the emirate’s ecosystem for nurturing his ideas.
Anchoring Roots in Somaliland: Key Ventures
While Guedi’s gaze is global, his heart remains tethered to Somaliland. The MSG umbrella shelters several homegrown entities that address the republic’s pressing needs:
– SomCable and SO. LTD: Beyond fiber optics, these arms provide internet services, with major offices in Hargeisa, Djibouti, and Addis Ababa. They’ve been pivotal in boosting digital access, earning Guedi accolades like a Certificate of Appreciation from Somaliland’s House of Representatives in 2016.
– SomPower: As a cornerstone of Somaliland’s energy sector, it distributes electricity to households and businesses, incorporating renewable solutions for sustainability.
– Guedi Transit: This logistics firm streamlines global and local trade, easing the flow of goods through ports like Berbera and Djibouti.
– MSC Construction: Handling diverse builds, it also manages the Dunya VIP Lounge at Djibouti Airport, blending infrastructure with hospitality.
These ventures aren’t just profitable; they’re transformative, creating jobs and infrastructure in a nation of 6 million across 177,000 square kilometers.
The Berbera Cement Revolution: A Flagship Project
No discussion of Guedi’s Somaliland imprint is complete without the Berbera cement factory—a project poised to redefine the region’s industrial landscape. In 2022, MSG, via its Dubai-based subsidiary Horn Holding Group Ltd (HHG), inked a deal with Italy’s Bedeschi SPA for Phase 1: a grinding unit with 700,000 tons per year (tpy) capacity, set for completion in about 18 months. The full plant aims for 3,300 tons per day (tpd) of cement and 3,000 tpd of clinker by 2025, with groundbreaking in July 2022.
Negotiations, led by European-Middle East-Africa advisory firm Bergs & More, highlight the project’s rigor. “Building a cement plant is a strategic operation which will benefit the country,” noted HHG Director Ahmed Said. Located near Berbera Port, it promises lower shipping costs, export boosts, and up to 500 direct and indirect jobs—vital for a population hungry for urban development. As of mid-2025, the project nears operational milestones, with Phase 1 on track to catalyze wholesale and retail growth.
Philanthropy: A Legacy of Giving Back
Guedi’s success is matched only by his generosity, channeled through the MSG Foundation. He’s donated millions to social causes, embodying a “gacan furan” (open hand) ethos. After the devastating Waheen Market fire, he single-handedly pledged $250,000 for rebuilding. Annually, he sponsors 20 students’ full university expenses abroad, recently gifting $200,000 to Sheikh University.
Infrastructure bears his mark too: Hundreds of kilometers of roads, from Dawga Camuud to Doobo Mountain, plus Hargeisa Airport repairs. Certificates from Amoud University and Somaliland’s government affirm his impact.
A Beacon for Somaliland’s Future
At 44 years strong, MSG Group isn’t just Guedi’s legacy—it’s Somaliland’s. From a Gabiley trader to a Golden Visa holder, Mohamed Said Guedi proves that with perseverance, one can connect worlds. As the Berbera plant hums to life and fiber cables pulse with data, his empire fosters jobs, education, and stability. In a region of untapped potential, Guedi reminds us: True wealth builds nations, one venture at a time.
Mohamoud Ali Walaaleye- Assistant Editor THT
For more on MSG Group’s initiatives, visit msgtradingcompany.com.