Entrepreneurs shine at the fifth annual trade fair in Mogadishu

Mariam Gedi, a twenty-eight-year-old businesswoman, has struggled to market her new beauty products since launching them three months ago. Participating in this year's Mogadishu trade expo is already paying off for her little firm.

Mariam was among nearly 400 other entrepreneurs who participated in the fifth Mogadishu Trade Fair, which kicked off on Wednesday and ended Friday. The trade fair happens every year. According to the organisers, over 15,000 participants attended the three-day trade fair.

The trade show was officially opened on Wednesday by the Mayor of Mogadishu, Yusuf Hussein Jimale "Madale,” and the Chairman of the Somalia Chamber of Commerce, Mohamud Abdikarim Gabeyre.

The Mayor of Mogadishu Madale commended young entrepreneurs for actively taking part in the trade fairs and for revolutionising the way business is done, being innovative, and adding diversity to the market.

“The youth are the backbone of our economy and our future. They have shown us that they can create and compete in any field. They have also benefited from the opportunities and resources that the government has provided for them,” he said during his opening remarks.

Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mohamud stated that such trade exhibitions allow entrepreneurs to meet new clients while also networking and expanding their enterprises through partnerships.

“This trade fair is a testament that Mogadishu City is developing fast and growing and that traders are also doing their best to provide quality products. Such trade fairs provide an opportunity for networking and growth for entrepreneurs,” Mohamud noted.

Leaders attend the Fifth Annual Mogadishu Trade Fair

The products on display were mainly food stuffs, beauty products, household appliances, including electronics, heavy farm machinery, textiles, hospitals, private universities, and mobile telecommunication companies.

Mariam is the proprietor of Pure Nature Beauty, which deals with manufacturing organic beauty products in Somalia. She claims that the market's intense demand for organic cosmetic products drove her into the industry.

“My company is taking part in the Mogadishu Trade Fair for the first time. We are a new company. We don’t have a premise and operate from home. We sell our products online. The trade fair has opened doors for us, and we are excited to have taken part in it,” Mariam told Eastleigh Voice at her stall in Peace Garden Park in Mogadishu, where the trade fair is taking place.

Goods showcased at the trade fair

Omar Ali Mohamed is another young entrepreneur who took part in the trade fair. He deals with fitness products and electronics. His company is called Kifaah Online Market, with a premise in Bakara Market in Mogadishu. 

“I got many clients from the trade fair, and I offered them many discounts, and they promised to come back for more products,” he said.

He says the trade fair was an eye-opener for him.

“The trade fair was also attended by big companies, giving us small companies an opportunity to learn and network. We learned a lot from these companies; it was a good learning experience for me,” he added.

Abdi Omar, a father of two, brought his family to the Mogadishu trade fair to shop. He says the discounts offered attracted him to attend the fair.

“I heard about the Mogadishu trade fair in the news and decided to come sample the products on display here. The discounts given are good. I have bought myself several linen shirts and bought shirts and trousers for my boys. My wife bought beauty products and hair oil. They should organise more of these trade fairs because it’s a great way of finding so many products in one location,” he told Eastleigh Voice while busy shopping.

The seaside Somali capital city is growing and developing fast. Years ago, such trade fairs were unheard of due to insecurity. Huge shopping malls have been opened, and the city is enjoying booming construction as new skyscrapers come up to help change Mogadishu’s skyline.

The Mogadishu Trade Fair is supported by the Somalia government, the United Nations, and local and international partners. The event is part of ongoing efforts to revive the economy of Somalia, which has been badly dented by decades of conflict and instability.

For young entrepreneurs like Mariam, she hopes her new line of organic beauty products will help make a positive impact on society.

“My products are organic. We use 13 natural ingredients. I have a variety of products for both men and women, including oils to help with hair loss and baldness. We are on Facebook and TikTok; please come check us out, and we will deliver to you even if you are in Nairobi,” she told Eastleigh Voice.