Hussien Saleman, founder and manager of Al Nur Poultry Farm, in the first branch of the farm

Voices from ILO PROSPECTS

A grant, a business plan and 300 chickens: how ILO-supported competition helps poultry farmer grow in Ethiopia

Through entrepreneurship training and access to finance under the PROSPECTS programme, Hussien Saleman has expanded Al Nur Poultry Farm, created jobs for young people and strengthened local supply chains in Ethiopia’s Somali Region.

4 June 2026

JIGJIGA, Ethiopia (ILO News) – When Hussien Saleman and his wife Umulkhary Habib started keeping 50 chickens at home in Jigjiga, their poultry venture was intended as a modest side business. His wife, an animal science professional, had proposed the idea after noticing growing local demand for poultry products in Ethiopia’s Somali Region.

Hussien, a first-generation entrepreneur and father of three, saw the potential to grow. But like many micro and small business owners, he lacked access to formal finance and the business development support needed to expand.

That changed when he joined the Business Plan Competition (BPC) supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the PROSPECTS programme, in partnership with Hasi Consultants.

The initiative aims to foster entrepreneurship, drive economic growth, and create sustainable livelihoods for host communities and refugees in Ethiopia’s Somali Region.

“I heard about the BPC from a friend and attended the business development training workshops,” Hussien said. “The training helped me understand how to develop a business strategy, assess the market and competition, manage the supply chain, and improve financial management.”

Out of nearly 2,000 applicants, Hussien emerged as one of the 50 winners. He received a grant of ETB 90,000 (approximately US$ 600).

an event in ethiopia — Hussien presenting his business plan at the competition.

For Hussien, the financial grant received through the competition was important, but so was the business training that came with it.

“I always remember the training I took when participating in the BPC in 2024,” he said. “They are still helping me build my business. I still refer to the training modules, especially on how to prepare a business plan and financial management.”

Using the grant and the skills gained through competition, Hussien opened a second poultry branch and increased production by adding 300 chickens.

Hussien Saleman in the second branch of Al Nur Poultry Farm

Today, Al Nur Poultry Farm operates from two branches and provides direct employment for 8 more people. Employees earn between ETB 6,000 and ETB 10,000 per month, with many of those jobs benefiting young people.

The business is also supporting wider local supply chains. At least five retailers now buy eggs from Al Nur Poultry Farm and resell them to hotels and restaurants in Jigjiga. Water suppliers serving the farms also earn monthly income ranging from ETB 8,000 to ETB 10,000.

The growth of the enterprise has had a significant impact on Hussien’s household income. Since winning the BPC, the family’s annual net income has increased tenfold, now exceeding ETB 2 million, approximately US$ 12,900.

Hussien credits his wife for playing a central role in the success of the business, particularly in planning and financial management.

“As an Animal Science professional, she is the one behind the success of the business, though I am at the forefront as a manager,” he said.

As the business continued to expand, Hussien is already preparing for the next stage. He has already purchased 2,600 square metres of land on the outskirts of Jigjiga and is developing a third site where water is readily available, addressing one of the main constraints facing poultry farming in the area. He invested in digging a water well to secure a more reliable supply for the farm.

Hussien Saleman in the third branch of Al Nur Poultry Farm

Looking ahead, Hussien plans to diversify into livestock, including cows, goats and camels, while creating even more employment opportunities.

Hussien’s journey reflects the importance of enterprise development, skills training and access to finance in promoting decent work. With practical support and determination, small businesses can become engines of employment, resilience and inclusive local growth.

Business Plan Competition (BPC) in Ethiopia

The ILO PROSPECTS programme implemented a Business Plan Competition (BPC) as a key market systems and livelihoods intervention to support youth and refugee entrepreneurs to translate viable business ideas into sustainable enterprises.

The competition was successfully conducted in the Somali and Amhara regions, where aspiring entrepreneurs received structured training on business development, coaching and mentorship, and practical support to refine their business plans.

In Ethiopia’s Somali Region, the BPC attracted 1,931 proposals from young entrepreneurs across a range of sectors. Following a rigorous selection process, 100 promising business plans were selected in the first round. Participants then received intensive training and mentorship from business development service providers, enabling them to strengthen their ideas, prepare comprehensive business plans and improve their entrepreneurial skills.

The process culminated in a pitching event, where participants presented their business plans to a panel of judges and industry experts. Ultimately, 50 businesses were awarded grant funding to launch or expand their ventures, along with follow-up coaching and mentorship to support their long-term success.