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Security improvements in the past few years are encouraging the Somali diaspora to return home to invest in their country and reconnect with their culture.

Seeing an opportunity for investment, older Somalis are returning to start businesses and help rebuild the country, while young Somalis who were born abroad or have lived most of their lives outside Somalia are returning to discover their roots and connect with their parents' culture.

This trend has helped create an environment of fusion and opportunity for both returning expats and the communities they settle into. Returning Somalis are able to find many lucrative business prospects and can help revitalise their hometowns by providing needed services.

Ahmed Omar Hirsi, spokesperson for the Puntland regional administration, said the government welcomes people returning to invest in the country.

Hirsi said the administration has created an awareness programme to encourage expatriates to participate in development efforts and to invest in the country through education and commerce.

"We encourage educated [expatriates] to work with the government and to invest heavily in the country to spur economic growth," he told Sabahi. "We welcome those who want to work towards progress."

Faduma Diriye Nur, 38, returned to Garowe from Cologne, Germany, where she lived from 1992 to 2011 and graduated from university. From Germany she established the Samafal centre in Garowe with the help of friends.

Samafal educates the wives of imprisoned pirates who are left to live in poverty. The centre teaches them skills they can use to attain work and improve the lives of their families.

"The strength of families lies in women, but it is clear that they do not have enough education, so I decided to establish this centre in Garowe," Nur said.

Nur received contracts from the United Nations and international non-governmental organisations to improve women's education and skills training.

"Samafal currently educates up to 200 women who study computers, sewing, cooking, hospitality and customer service so they can find employment in hotels and offices. About 30 graduates now work using the skills they gained," she said.

Ali Hassan Hariye, 43, returned to Somalia to invest in business enterprises after living in Nairobi and London since the civil war began.

"I came to Puntland in 2005 and observed that the city of Galkayo was in dire need of improving its businesses," he told Sabahi. "I opened Galkayo Supermarket, which has five employees. We sell clothing for men and women, food, assorted drinks and other small essential items. I am now in the middle of constructing a hotel, which has been in process for a year."

Hariye moved to London in 1994 and worked there as a taxi driver. His wife and three children are still there so they can finish school while Hariye works on his investment projects in Somalia. He said he encourages his friends in London to also return and invest in the country.

Young people return to learn about Somali culture

Young people are also returning and trying hard to learn about their heritage and Somali culture. Some who attended universities abroad are finding work in offices of the local administration or independent agencies.

Abdikarim Abdullahi, 24, is a college graduate who moved to Garowe from Seattle, United States. His six-member family had settled in the United States after leaving the Utange refugee camp in Kenya in 1992.

Abdullahi's parents sent him back to Somalia to learn about his culture and language. He told Sabahi that when he first arrived in Garowe, he struggled to adapt.

"I was taken from Somalia when I was 3 years old. We spent a year in the Kenyan refugee camp, and then our family succeeded in travelling to live in America," he said. "When I came [back], I felt as though I was in a difficult place that was different from where I used to live. I still struggle with adapting to the culture of the country, but I hope to learn."