Mr. Saaid obtained a bachelor’s degree in economics from Mogadishu’s Gaheir University in 1983.

Born in Dusamareb town in Galgadud region, he worked as an economist for Somalia’s finance and agriculture ministries from 1983 to 1985.

He later ventured into the private sector and founded his own private company, Shirdon International Ltd where he worked worked as its executive chairman since 1991.

Following the outbreak of the civil war, he left the country and relocated his business to Nairobi and became the founder and executive chairman of Shitraco Ltd & Shaam.

He has been a political activist during the last 20 years and in March 2012, he was elected the first chairman of Rajo Forum (Hope Forum), an independent political organization.

Saaid is married and has four children. Asha Haji Elmi, his wife, is a popular female lawmaker who is an influential Somali peace activist.

The appointment on Saturday comes 25 days after Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was sworn in as Somalia’s eighth president.