UAE group is opening fifth supermarket in Somali capital Mogadishu

The multi-storey supermarket will sell mostly imported brands, typically sourced via the UAE, and the chain is a major importer of premium FMCG products. 

“Hayat Market stores typically have multiple floors and operate as a mini mall. They have food retail on the ground floor and a substantial non-food offer, including electronics, clothing, toys, furniture and homewares, on upper floors,” explains Trendtype, the emerging markets consultancy. 

Hayat Market promotes itself as “Somalia’s largest and most modern supermarket services provider”. Safa International, its parent company, has a range of interests in 10 countries, mainly in East Africa and the MENA region. These include mass-market food products and luxury FMCG goods. 

Mogadishu’s growing pockets of affluence 

Mogadishu has a population of over two million people, most of whom are poor after decades of civil conflict. However, there are growing pockets of affluence in more secure neighbourhoods where government offices, international aid organisations, and businesses are located.  

Wealthy members of the Somali diaspora are increasingly investing in property in Mogadishu and remittances from abroad are a source of foreign income for many people, which is helping to grow the economy. 

According to an International Monetary Fund report published in December 2024, Somalia’s real GDP growth outlook has improved, though challenges and risks remain significant.  

Positive trends in agriculture, exports and remittances in 2024 are expected to continue in 2025. As a result, real GDP growth has been upgraded to a predicted 4% in 2024 and 2025. 

“Despite security challenges, the Somali government remains steadfast in its fight against terrorism and continues to work with international partners to ensure a successful transition from the current African Union Transition Mission to a new force,” the IMF says in the report. 

Somalia has a population of 21,2-million people, according to a 2025 Encyclopaedia Brittanica estimate. About three-fifths of the population follow a mobile way of life, pursuing nomadic pastoralism or agropastoralism (settled pastoralists).