Business Leaders: Muhidin Libah Is Cultivating Farms, a Nonprofit and Maine’s Somali Bantu Community

Muhidin Libah has pushed through and beyond some daunting barriers in his life. He now helps others break down obstacles of their own in his role of executive director at the Somali Bantu Community Association.

Libah was born in southern Somalia, grew up in a Kenyan refugee camp and came to the U.S. in 2004. He settled first in Syracuse, N.Y, and moved to Lewiston the next year — bringing with him rich experience in farming and a passion for helping his community. He helped launch the Somali Bantu Community Association of Maine in 2005.

He has also helped launch several other nonprofits, including the Middle Jubba Relief and Sustainability Organization. In addition, Libah is a CNA certified to do medical translation. He graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a bachelor’s degree in natural applied science, concentrating in biology with a minor in holistic health.