“Djibouti Business Awards: The Next Biggest Event In Djibouti”

29 December 2009

By Mohamed Awaleh 
 
A new web-site caught my eye recently while browsing the net: ‘djibouti-business.com’. This site talks about an upcoming Awards event that is going to be held at the Kempinsky Palace Hotel, on March 14th, 2010, and is sponsored by H-KIN HR, an Ottawa-based company.
 
I have to admit thought at first I was suspicious and thought, “Another new strategy for those who often pray the Djiboutian authorities of getting the national coffer into their hands.” I have witnessed several cases myself of Europeans and international con-artists who have wanted to take advantage of Djibouti to increase their own personal gains.
 
However, I could tell right away that there was something different about this website.  To begin with, it was put together by a Djiboutian businessman, based in Ottawa: Mr. Naleye Robleh.
 
I had many questions pertaining to this upcoming event to ask this man. Who is funding the affair, who are the sponsors and why?  After all the other projects that may be beneficial to the ordinary citizens of Djibouti, why would he choose this particular project? Quite frankly I didn’t want to just critique this coming Business Awards unfairly before I gave him the chance to comment.
 
So, I picked up the phone and called the Director and founder of H-KIN HR. A few hours later Mr. Robleh called me back. I could tell by his tone that he was worried that this great endeavor will be sabotage by the intellectual war-lords, and miss-understood before it actually sees the light. And he appreciated the fact that at least I gave him the opportunity to hear his perspective before I publish it. But I assured him that he has nothing to worry about and I will be fair.
 
I didn’t know Naleye personally but I knew about him. I was impressed with this man. I came to know that Mr. Robleh is a self-made man. Naleye, as he insisted to be addressed, came to Ottawa less than six years ago and is already running one of the biggest Human Resources firm in Canada.
 
“They are several reasons that we decided to host a Business Award in our home-country and they include showing our appreciation of Djibouti businessmen and businesswomen’s contribution – more so, the difference they are making the life of the ordinary citizens,” he said.
 
 Mr. Robleh also stated that H-KIN’s aim is to introduce these businesses to the international arena. “We have been approached by some Canadian and American Corporations in order to assist them to find some local businesses to partner with - on so many occasions. And we would like to highlight the talent and the businesses available in Djibouti”.
 
The importance of this event reflects the attraction of the major line up of co-sponsors: Djibouti International Port, Central Bank of  Djibouti, the secretary of state in charge of  solidarity and  ATTA agency,  the Indosuez Bank of red sea, The coubeche (Coca-Cola Company); the Suisse Bank in Djibouti, and Dubai Ports World.,etc. On the international Companies: Canada Knowledge Circle and American companies such as: Noviindustries and PAE group serving U.S Military base, “Camp-Lemonieux in Djibouti.

 He adds, “ I want you to know that there’s nobody has gave us a penny, especially all these amazing institutions,” protested Naleye, “believe me H-KIN HR has spent it so far over $50.000 just to see this project realized.” Naleye went on and told me that’s why the Republic of Djibouti’s government finally approved it and still supporting.” “They came to understand that H-KIN HR has no ulterior motives.”
 
 The organizer of Djibouti business Award furthered highlighted that DBA will be awarding 3 million dj francs ($18000 US dollars) the winners who will be selected among young businessmen/women. It’s imperative to support a fellow country man/woman if he/she is doing something good for their people. That’s why it’s my duty as a pragmatic citizen to assist H-KIN HR to achieve their goal as long as they are establishing a conducive business environment –such as training new aspiring business people, sharing information’s about financial institutions: loan/grants; and most importantly putting in place for the future necessity infrastructures: establishing business or trade schools that very much needed into the Republic of Djibouti. 
 
Naleye proudly proclaimed, “We are at the same time anticipating the participation of some high level Canadian delegations - politicians and businessmen/women.” And he excitedly concluded, “We want the young Djiboutian to create their own businesses, and inspire them to become business minded individuals.”
 
Despite of anybody’s rhetoric we will hold Naleye accountable; wherever he thinks that ‘Djibouti Business Awards will make a change in Djibouti. But what it’s needed in Djibouti –no-doubt is a great reform of the very slow-moving bureaucracy that for sure hinders any productive business practices into the country. In Djibouti –it’s very expensive and takes weeks to get a simple business license or open a small business into Djibouti-Ville.
 
As a young Djiboutian, they must start thinking positive and especially believe in Allah (GOD) and self - So that they must know no one will give them something for free. This so-called foreign Aid is nothing but an attempt to create an utter dependency, corrupt our people and destabilize our family institution.

 

 

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