Mohamed Said Guedi: Businessman with a Midas touch

Mohamed Said Guedi

By Arabian Post Staff

DUBAI: Mohamed Said Guedi, a Somaliland-Djibouti dual national, has been running successful businesses in East Africa, the Middle East and Europe. He is an entrepreneur who grew several businesses from start-ups to millions in annual sales through effective business planning, quality of products, creative sales techniques and innovative marketing.

Recognized by clients and colleagues as a consummate professional with a high degree of personal integrity, he has received numerous certificates of recognition, including Certificate of Appreciation Recognition Award from Democratic of Republic of Somaliland in 2016, Honorary Recognition Certificate from Governor of Gabiley and Honorary Recognition Certificate from Danwadaag Social Development Organization in 2019.

He has also received Certificate of Outstanding Contribution to Amoud University and Certificate of Appreciation from The House of Representatives, Republic of Somaliland.

Businesses

Mohamed Said Guedi is the founder and Chairman of MSG Trading ETS, which has been in export and import business in the Horn of Africa since 1981. Beginning with this trading company, he established and become chairman of Independent Tobacco FZE, Dubai in 2004, and chairman of Somcable LTD, Somaliland in 2009 among other companies which have grown today to form the MSG Group of Companies.

The MSG Group of Companies is a composite organization with subsidiaries specializing in manufacturing of tobacco products, telecommunications, oil and gas exploration, energy distribution, shipping and transit services, logistics management and construction.

Independent Tobacco is a growing international tobacco company engaged in manufacturing, marketing and distribution of cigarettes in the UAE. The company manufactures a variety of brands specially created to appeal to a diverse number of consumers, aligning with their needs and tastes across the globe. With exports across Africa, the Middle East and South East Asia, it aims at expanding its presence in central Asia and European markets.

Somcable is a carrier-to-carrier services telecommunication business deploying a terrestrial fiber optic cable network with coverage of more than 1,400 km connecting Djibouti to Somaliland. Somcable aims to extend the fiber optic cable infrastructure to Ethiopia and neighbouring countries. The business delivers high speed internet via many modern access networks. It enables other telecom operators, including mobile operators, ISP and cable TV operators to use its high capacity infrastructure.

Through funding, volunteering work and community involvement, Somcable directly contributes to the development of sustainable communities by supporting local projects and initiatives.

Powered by Somcable, SO! Ltd is an internet service provider with a range of products and services, providing affordable communication and entertainment options. Through Somcable’s fiber network it offers higher bandwidths and delivers a reliable and consistent user experience. So! Provides quality services to individuals and businesses in most parts of Hargeisa and other regions. Through GEPON (Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Networks), it can deliver guaranteed broadband internet.

Through its stake investment in SomPower; one of the Somaliland’s main energy providers – Independent Energy provides households and businesses with safe, secure and renewable energy solutions. Independent Energy, which consists of Hargeisa Electric and Independent Energy Capital, is also active in oil and gas explorations in the region in partnership with UAE’s RAK Gas.

Guedi Transit has offices in Djibouti, Somaliland, and Ethiopia. Guedi provides logistics services to a wide range of clients with focus on their requirements and at competitive rates. This company can serve as a single source to manage sea, air and road freight services worldwide.

MSC Construction and Contracting Company has been involved in civil construction and highway development projects for governmental and commercial customers for over 40 years. Some of its services include: Grave pit operations, concrete and asphalt demolition, mass excavation, embankment construction, water, sewer and drain utilities and infrastructure, and construction survey.

EACS comprises of Aramex franchise in Djibouti, Somaliland offering courier services for worldwide shipping solutions at a competitive price.

It also operates the Dunya VIP Lounge in Djibouti airport which provides services and support in processing of legal documents, arranging meetings with key companies, travel and accommodation services, and office space from one night to one year with all requirements, including security.

MSG Group’s vision is to be recognized internationally through its variety of activities. And its mission is to manage its impact on society and environment whilst continuing to play a vital role in development and growth of regions where it operates.

Philanthropy

As a part of his many charitable contributions in the region of the Horn of Africa, Mohamed Said Guedi has funded various road projects such as Dawga Camuud and Dawga Caad, maintenance of Hargeisa Airport road, maintenance of Hargeisa local government roads, rehabilitation of Doobo mountain road, and reconstruction of roads in the district of Dar es-salam outside Hargeisa, Somaliland.

Guedi has also set up an education fund within the MSG Foundation for less fortunate students in Somaliland and Djibouti. The MSG education fund helps at least 20 students every year in graduating from the local and international universities there.

He has also funded water projects across Somaliland including construction of water reservoir and water crossings for Zeilac, water well repairs in Ceel Gaal, construction of water dams, water reservoirs and water crossings at Aw-Barkhadle, Bandar Wanaag, Balay Ahmed, Haro Sheikh, Ceel Xume, Ceel Bilcinle and Burco.

MSG has also played an effective role at the time of calamities and national disasters, such as food and water donations to over 500 families when Odhweyne was affected by drought. Supporting construction of mosques in Djibouti and Somaliland is another charitable work he has taken part in.