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Showing posts from April, 2025

Why Cement Block Construction Dominates Somali Cities And What You Should Know Before Building

  If you walk through any Somali city whether it’s Mogadishu or anywhere else you’ll notice something right away: almost every house, shop or wall is built with cement blocks, They’re everywhere. And if you’ve ever wondered why cement blocks are the go to material for construction in Somalia, you’re not alone. Let me break it down for you, especially if you're planning to build for the first time or considering investing in property in Somalia. Why Cement Blocks Are So Popular To put it simply, cement blocks are practical, cheap, and easy to work with. That’s a big deal in a country where building materials need to be affordable and construction needs to be fast. One of the main reasons people prefer cement blocks is availability . They're made locally in almost every town usually right next to the construction site. Builders don’t have to import them or wait weeks for delivery. You just visit the nearest block maker, choose the type you want (solid or hollow) and you'r...

Top 5 Building Materials Commonly Used in Somali Homes

  If you're thinking about building a home in Somalia whether in the city, countryside, or near the coast  one of the first things you'll need to understand is what materials people are actually using . Trust me, choosing the right building material can save you money, time, and a lot of stress down the road. I’ve seen too many people dive into construction without knowing what works best in Somalia’s unique climate and conditions. So, let’s walk through the top 5 building materials you’ll see in Somali homes today, along with some tips based on real-world experience. 1. Cement Blocks (Bulkeeti) This is by far the most popular material, especially in urban areas like Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Kismayo. Cement blocks are widely available, strong and affordable for most people. They’re perfect for building walls, and even entire homes. Why people use them: Easy to stack and build with. Durable in the heat and wind. Can handle the salty air in coastal regions if you s...

Investment Opportunities for the Somali Diaspora: Beyond Real Estate

 When people talk about investing in Somalia, real estate usually dominates the conversation. Land is valuable, no doubt about it  but it’s only one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Somalia’s economy is full of untapped potential, especially for those looking to make a difference while building sustainable businesses. This article takes a look at other sectors that are open for investment. Whether you’re interested in small-scale ventures or long-term partnerships, there’s more than one way to contribute to Somalia’s development  and create financial value at the same time. 1. Agriculture and Agribusiness Agriculture is the largest sector in Somalia, yet much of the country’s food is still imported. This gap creates clear opportunities. For example, citrus farming (lemons, oranges, and limes) is gaining momentum in regions like Lower Shabelle. With proper irrigation and harvesting techniques, even small farms can become profitable. Beyond raw produce, there’s room for v...

What $10,000 Can Buy You in Somali Real Estate – Real Talk From the Ground

If you’ve ever wondered what $10,000 could do for you in Somali real estate, especially in places like Daru-salaam , Jaziira , or Lafole , this post is for you. Whether you're a diaspora Somali dreaming of coming back home or just curious about smart investments in Somalia, let me break it down for you in simple, real-world terms. First Things First –What Can You Buy? Let’s start with the good news: land in many districts around Mogadishu is still affordable , and $10,000 can go a long way. In areas like Daru-salaam, Jaziira , and Lafole , plots of land measuring 20x15 meters (about 300 m²) are commonly sold for as low as $4,000 to $5,000 each. That means with your $10,000, you can potentially buy 1 to 2 plots of land —yes, you read that right. You could walk away owning land in multiple districts if you’re smart and strategic. Let’s Look at Each Area            Daru-salaam Plots: $4,500 – $6,000 About 2–3 km from the main road it is growing...

Somalia's Real Estate Future: What to Expect by 2030

  When people hear "Somalia," they often think about the challenges the country has faced for decades. But here's the real story: Somalia is changing  fast. And if you're an investor, an entrepreneur, or just someone curious about where new opportunities are growing, the real estate market in Somalia might just surprise you by 2030. Let's dive into what’s really happening on the ground, and what you can expect over the next five years. A Fresh Start for Somalia First, it's important to understand that Somalia today is not the Somalia of 20 years ago. Yes, the country still faces its share of challenges but cities like Mogadishu,  Hargeisa,   Dhuusamareeb , Gaalkacyo,Bosaso , and even G arowe  are buzzing with construction activity, new businesses, and a rising middle class. Many Somalis from the diaspora people who left the country during tough times are coming back with money, skills, and dreams. They’re building houses, hotels, restaurants, and even entire n...

Top 5 Cities in Somalia to Invest in Real Estate (2025 Guide)

In recent years, Somalia has quietly emerged as a hidden gem for real estate investors seeking untapped potential. As the country's economy gradually stabilizes and the population continues to grow, opportunities in real estate are expanding across several major cities. Whether you're interested in residential projects, commercial developments, or rental properties, knowing where to invest can make all the difference. Here’s a detailed look at the Top 5 Cities in Somalia to invest in real estate in 2025, focusing on economy forecasts, population growth , and investment trends . 1. Mogadishu – The Heart of Opportunity Population : 3 to 4 million (estimated) Economic Forecast : Fastest-growing city in Somalia; center of trade, business, and government. Mogadishu, the capital city, remains the beating heart of Somalia's economy. Over the past decade, despite political challenges, Mogadishu has witnessed a real estate boom. New shopping malls, luxury apartments, hotels, a...

How to Buy Land in Somalia Safely: A Guide for Diaspora and Locals

  Purchasing land in Somalia presents both opportunities and challenges especially for members of the diaspora and local residents. The country's complex legal landscape, historical conflicts and evolving governance structures necessitate a cautious and informed approach to land acquisition.  This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key considerations and steps involved in safely buying land in Somalia. Steps to Safely Purchase Land 1. Conduct Due Diligence Verify Ownership: Ensure the seller possesses a legitimate title deed or ownership certificate Be cautious of forged or disputed documents. ​ Check disputes: Investigate whether the land is subject to disputes or claims by other parties. ​ Assess Land Use and Zoning Regulations: Understand the permissible uses of the land to avoid future legal complications. ​ 2. Engage Local Authorities and Legal Experts Consult Local Land Offices: Engage with district or municipal land offices to verify...

Why the Somali Diaspora Is Investing Back Home in 2025

  In 2025, Somalia is witnessing a powerful economic transformation and much of the momentum is coming from the Somali diaspora Spread across the globe from North America to Europe, the Middle East to East Africa millions of Somalis living abroad are increasingly choosing to invest back home. But what’s driving this trend? And what sectors are they focusing on? Here are the main reasons why more and more diaspora Somalis are putting their time, money and passion into Somalia’s future. Economic Stability Is Improving Over the past decade, Somalia has made significant strides in rebuilding. While challenges remain, the improvement in security in major cities like Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe and Kismayo has given many diaspora members a renewed sense of hope. The return of major airlines like Turkish airlines, Egyptian airline, Qatar and Ethiopian airlines, international banks like Salaam Bank and Premier Bank, Ziraat bank which is Turkish bank and Egyptian bank both acquiring license...

The Ongoing Conflict Over Land Ownership in Somalia By Hussien Abdullahi Ali | BuildHub Somalia

Land in Somalia is more than just soil it’s identity, survival and power But for decades land ownership has been a major source of conflict rooted in deep historical wounds and fueled by modern-day challenges. As a civil engineer who grew up during the Somali civil war, I have witnessed firsthand how unresolved land disputes can erupt into violence and undermine efforts to build stable communities. In this post, we’ll explore the key causes behind Somalia’s land ownership conflict and offer some ideas on how we can start moving toward fair and lasting solutions. Colonialism Disrupted Traditional Land Systems Before colonization, Somali communities practiced communal land ownership, led and managed by traditional elders. These elders resolved disputes and made land use decisions based on customs and clan ties. However, when European powers mainly Italy and Britain colonized parts of Somalia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they redrew boundaries and took land from Somali ...