BUSINESS STRATEGY

UAE group is opening fifth supermarket in Somali capital Mogadishu

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Hayat Market supermarket chain continues to invest in the Horn of Africa country and is about to unveil its fifth outlet in the capital city.

Although security challenges and economic risks remain, the economy of Somalia is showing signs of improvement. So much so, that the Dubai-based Safa International group is continuing to invest in the country and is about to open its fifth supermarket in the capital, Mogadishu. 

 

Its Hayat Market supermarket chain, which first opened its doors in 2020, is unveiling its newest outlet in the upgraded Ali Kamin neighbourhood.

A social media promotion for the new outlet. Photo: Hayat Market via Facebook

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).

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.