History of the Jews in Africa community. They formed the Ethiopian North Shewa Zionist Organization in an attempt to save their Jewish identity. This group identifies as the "Falashmura." As they do not have reliable proof of Jewish ancestry, Israeli religious authorities and other religious Jewish communities require them to complete a formal conversion to be recognized as Jews. Those who do so are considered converts. The Yibir are a tribe that lives in Somalia, eastern Ethiopia, Djibouti, and northern Kenya. Though they have been Muslim for centuries, some of them assert they are descendants of Hebrews who arrived in the Horn of Africa long before
Balad, Somalia market (currently not operating). Textiles are produced at the Somalitex plant in Balcad which supplies virtually the entire domestic market. Balcad Textile Factory was upgraded and funded by West Germany and Somalitex facilities were greatly expanded. It is considered among the best equipped textile plant in Africa. The investment in cotton showed fewer long-term results than the investment in bananas. The Administration of Balcad District of the Middle Shabelle region supported by the Somali Federal Government encourage the local and foreign investment in the region. Balad, Somalia Bal'ad District () is one of the districts of Middle Shabelle region of