BuildHub Somalia

Somalia stands at a critical turning point in its development journey The country has endured decades of challenges from conflict to instability and weak institutions but recent years have seen signs of recovery With a young population vast natural resources strategic location and a growing entrepreneurial spirit Somalia holds immense potential to rebuild its economy and infrastructure for sustainable growth However to achieve this goal Somalia must bridge its infrastructure deficit and attract large-scale investment that the government alone cannot provide One of the most effective mechanisms to achieve this is through Public Private Partnerships commonly known as PPPs Public Private Partnerships are cooperative arrangements between the government and private sector entities designed to finance build and operate projects that serve the public Such projects can include roads ports power plants hospitals housing water systems and more PPPs leverage private sector expertise efficiency a...

  In the heart of Mogadishu, construction noises are becoming part of the city’s soundtrack. Cranes, cement mixers and the hammering of nails echo through neighbourhoods once marked by silence and rubble. For many Somalis, this sound signals something important: a country rebuilding itself one brick at a time. Somalia's construction sector is experiencing a quiet but powerful resurgence. With the return of diaspora investors, urban migration and a growing demand for housing, real estate and infrastructure, construction is now one of the most active and vital industries in the country. But the path to rebuilding Somalia is far from smooth. The sector faces a unique blend of opportunities and challenges that require attention, planning, and collective effort. A Nation Rebuilding from the Ground Up After decades of civil war and instability, much of Somalia’s infrastructure was either destroyed or abandoned. Roads fell apart, bridges collapsed, and public housing deteriorated. For ...

If you’ve been to Mogadishu recently or even just seen the photos online—you’ve probably noticed something: the beaches are gorgeous . From the golden sands of Lido Beach to the more quiet stretches near Abay dhaxan , jaziira our coastline has some of the most beautiful and underrated spots on the Indian Ocean. But here’s the thing: while tourists and locals are flocking to the beach every weekend, there’s still a huge gap in short-term rentals and beachfront stays. That gap? It’s your opportunity. Let’s talk about why beachfront rentals in Mogadishu might just be the next big thing in Somalia’s tourism and real estate scene and how you can be a part of it. The Rise of Local Tourism in Mogadishu In the past few years, something exciting has been happening: more people are exploring their own country. From young Somali professionals to returning diaspora, there’s growing interest in weekend getaways , family beach trips , and small local tours . But here’s the catch where do they sta...

  Let me ask you something when you hear Mogadishu , what comes to mind? For many, it’s the capital of Somalia, full of history, culture, and, yes, challenges. But let’s shift the perspective for a moment. What if I told you that Mogadishu’s coastal properties are quietly becoming one of the most promising real estate investment opportunities in East Africa? Sounds surprising? Well, I get it. Most people overlook Mogadishu’s coastline but that’s exactly why now is the time to pay attention. The Untapped Potential of Mogadishu’s Coastline Mogadishu stretches along the beautiful Indian Ocean, boasting miles of sandy beaches, stunning views, and warm weather almost all year round. Places like Lido Beach , jazeera , and Abdiaziz aren’t just great for a swim they’re starting to attract business owners, developers, and even diaspora Somalis looking to invest back home. Here’s the thing: in many other countries, beachfront property is incredibly expensive. In places like Mombasa, Dar...

 Let’s be honest  finding a decent, affordable place to live in Somalia today isn’t easy. Whether you’re in Mogadishu or in another city, housing is expensive especially for ordinary families. Rent is high, land prices keep rising, and new homes are often built for the wealthy, not the average citizen. As someone involved in the construction industry, I’ve seen this firsthand. I’ve met families living in unfinished buildings or overcrowded homes, just trying to get by. But I’ve also seen inspiring projects where local builders, youth, and NGOs are working to bring affordable housing to life. There are challenges, yes big ones but there are also real opportunities if we approach things with creativity and care. Why Is Affordable Housing So Difficult in Somalia? To solve a problem, we need to understand it. Here are some of the main reasons why affordable housing is such a struggle: 1. High Cost of Land and Materials Land in urban areas is expensive, and much of it is owned by p...

 If you’ve ever built  or thought about building near the coast in Somalia, whether it's in Mogadishu, Kismayo, Bosaso, or Berbera, you’ve probably heard one warning over and over: “Beware of sandy soil!” And honestly, that’s good advice. Sandy soil is tricky  it drains water quickly, doesn’t hold its shape well, and can cause foundations to shift or settle unevenly. But here’s the good news: building on sandy soil is not impossible   you just need the right approach. I’ve worked on several projects along Somalia’s coast, and today, I want to share practical, real-world tips to help you or anyone interested in construction make solid choices when dealing with sandy ground. Why Sandy Soil Is a Challenge (But Not the End of the World) Let’s break it down first. Sandy soil, especially along the Somali coast, is loose, dry, and doesn’t bind well. That means: It shifts easily , especially during heavy rains or tremors. It doesn’t retain moisture , which affects ...

  When people talk about Somalia’s future, they often mention politics, education, or entrepreneurship. But there’s one area that doesn’t get enough attention   construction . Yet, if you look around Somalia’s cities like Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Garowe, you’ll see new buildings rising, roads being paved, and neighborhoods expanding. All of this shows one thing: the construction industry in Somalia is booming , and our youth have a golden opportunity to lead it . As a Somali civil engineer myself, I’ve seen the potential of our young people. I’ve also seen the gaps  lack of skills training, low awareness about construction careers, and limited access to resources. But despite these challenges, I truly believe that with the right mindset and support, Somali youth can become the backbone of a modern, resilient, and locally led construction industry. Why Construction Matters More Than You Think Let’s start with the basics. Construction isn’t just about buildings  i...

  Our Past Is Built in Stone If you’ve ever walked through the old streets of Mogadishu’s Hamar Weyne district or visited the ruins of Zeila and Barawe, you’ve already seen the silent proof: Somalis have been builders for centuries. But sadly, not enough people especially younger Somalis or members of the diaspora know the rich architectural and engineering history of our homeland. In this post, I’ll walk you through a brief but fascinating journey of Somali architecture and engineering. You don’t need any technical knowledge to follow along just curiosity and maybe a little pride in what our ancestors were able to achieve using local resources, clever designs  and community based engineering. 1. Ancient Foundations: Stone, Coral, and Mud Long before colonial maps ever included Somalia, our people were building homes, ports, mosques, and cities using natural materials like coral stone, limestone, and mud brick. Take Zeila , a historic port city in the northwest. It was once pa...

  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. ...

  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...

  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...