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Engineering Challenges of Building in Remote Somali Regions By Hussein Abdullahi Ali

  If you’ve ever tried to build anything in a remote part of Somalia whether it's a school, a borehole, or a simple shelter you already know that it's not as easy as grabbing a shovel and calling it a day. As someone who has seen projects in both urban and rural Somali regions, I can tell you that building in remote areas is a completely different world. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities. In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the major engineering hurdles we face in these remote locations and share a few real-world tips that I’ve picked up along the way. Whether you're a young engineer, a diaspora investor, or just curious, I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what it takes to build outside the cities in Somalia. 1. Lack of Infrastructure: Roads, Electricity, and Water Let’s start with the obvious. Most remote areas in Somalia have poor or non-existent infrastructure. No paved roads, no stable electricity, and limited access to clean water. ...

Green Building in Somalia: Can We Build Sustainably?

  When we talk about building sustainably in Somalia, many people immediately think it’s a luxury something for developed countries with big budgets. But the truth is, green building is not only possible in Somalia, it’s also necessary for our future. Let’s be honest: our cities are growing fast. From Mogadishu to Hargeisa, people are moving into urban areas, building homes, shops, schools, and mosques. But as the population grows, so do challenges rising temperatures, water shortages, and unreliable electricity. So the question is: can we build sustainably in Somalia? My answer is yes, if we start thinking smarter, not more expensive .  What Is Green Building, Anyway? Green building simply means designing and constructing buildings that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient . It’s about reducing waste, using local materials, saving energy, and making sure the building works with nature, not against it. You don’t need to install solar panels on a skyscrape...

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...