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Somalia’s Premier Retailer Showcases Patriotism, Urban Transformation, and Community Empowerment during Historic Week-long Celebration

MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — in a celebration that merged national identity, cultural heritage, and commercial resilience, Hayat Market became a beacon of unity and development during Somalia’s 65th Independence Week. The event, which brought together thousands of citizens from all corners of the country, showcased how modern retail can play a pivotal role in rebuilding the nation’s spirit, infrastructure, and economy.

A Celebration Rooted in Pride and Peace

Hayat Market transformed its premises into a dynamic national stage featuring fireworks, cultural showcases, and patriotic ceremonies. The initiative was designed to express gratitude for Somalia's hard-won peace and to demonstrate how the private sector can positively impact national development.

“We believed it was important to celebrate Independence Week in a way that honors the sacrifices of our past and inspires a shared vision for our future,” said a spokesperson from Hayat Market.

Hayat Market was adorned with national flags, LED lighting, and vibrant imagery of Somalia's heritage, attracting not only shoppers but also families, cultural leaders, and young people seeking to reconnect with their national identity.

Hayat Market

Midnight Magic: Fireworks That Lit the Sky

One of the most unforgettable moments of the celebration occurred at midnight when a grand fireworks display lit up the Mogadishu sky, drawing awe and emotion from thousands.

Children gasped, elders wept quietly, families embraced under the illuminated sky as bursts of red, white, and blue mirrored the Somali flag in full bloom. The symbolic timing—midnight—marked not just the turning of a day, but the turning of a chapter in Somalia's story: from struggle to stability, from hardship to hope.

“It was the first time many of us saw fireworks of this scale. It wasn’t just light—it was history in color,” said a visitor from Lower Shabelle.

Mogadishu sky

Distinguished Attendance and Civic Unity

The event received significant attention from high-ranking government figures, including:

• The Minister of Justice: Hassan Moalim
• The Minister of Education: Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir Mohamed
• The Commander of    the Banadir Police: Maj. Mahdi Omar Moalim (Known as Moalim Omar)
• Senior officials from Statehouse and Banadir

Their attendance affirmed the significance of Hayat’s initiative and sent a strong message about public-private synergy in post-conflict nation building. Their speeches highlighted the role of responsible businesses in shaping not only markets but also mindsets.

Regional Administration

Cultural Revival through Retail

Independence Week at Hayat’s Hayat featured:

• Waaberi Band
• Traditional dances, poetry, and folklore music that celebrated Somali heritage
• Community-driven performances celebrating civil resistance and national pride

These vibrant events turned the retail space into a national platform that united generations and bridged social

divides. Children, elders, and citizens from across districts waved the Somali flag side-by-side, moved by the collective spirit of freedom and hope. “This was not a shopping campaign. It was a cultural and emotional investment in the soul of the country,” said one of the organizers.

Hayat’s Hayat

From Concrete to Community: Hayat’s Role in Urban Transformation

Beyond retail, Hayat Market has made measurable contributions to Mogadishu's infrastructure and development. Hayat itself is situated in a once underdeveloped area, now revitalized through strategic investments made by Hayat:

• Upgraded roads and pavements around the branch
• Installation of security lighting and surveillance infrastructure
• Improvements in   urban

cleanliness and landscaping

• Employment opportunities for hundreds of residents

• Waste management coordination with local authorities

“Before Hayat came to this area, the roads were broken and nights were dark. Now we have lights, shops, jobs—and even pride. They’ve changed how people see our neighborhood.”— Mr. Abdirashid Abdulkadir Wadeere, CEO Nasiye Property

These infrastructure investments have had ripple effects througho ut the district. Where there were once potholes and poorly lit streets, there are now paved roads and illuminated walkways. Where there were abandoned lots, there are now stalls, cafes, and vendors catering to growing foot traffic around the branch.

“Hayat's presence lifted this neighborhood into a thriving community hub,” said a local municipal officer. “We are seeing real growth.”

Mogadishu's infrastructure and development

About Hayat Market

Hayat Market is a leading Somali-owned retail chain with multiple branches across Mogadishu and a growing regional presence. Committed to innovation, affordability, and nation building, Hayat stands at the forefront of post- conflict economic recovery and social transformation.

Hayat is not just a business—it is a national institution committed to peacebuilding, prosperity, and people-first progress.

Hayat Market

Economic Vitality: Building Sustainable Growth

Hayat Market's influence is not confined to bricks and mortar—it fuels economic vitality at multiple levels. With over 500 direct and indirect jobs created through the Hayat Market alone, Hayat supports families and injects disposable income into the local economy.

Additionally, the brand prioritizes:

• Sourcing from local farmers and suppliers, boosting domestic production
• Stable product pricing, ensuring affordability even during inflationary pressures
• Encouraging women-led businesses to supply artisanal and household items

“Hayat Market has created a reliable domestic supply chain that gives Somali farmers and producers a reason to invest in quality. Their consistent demand has transformed seasonal farming into sustainable agribusiness.”
— Ibrahim Ali Shido CEO Banadiria Coffee.

The celebration week spurred an estimated 40% increase in footfall, while nearby businesses also reported upswings in sales. The energy of national pride translated into economic confidence.

Social Impact: More Than a Market

Hayat’s Independence Week initiative underscores its identity as a corporate citizen, not just a commercial entity. In recent years, Hayat has:

• Provided training and employment to youth and women, including internally displaced persons (IDPs)
• Supported local schools, clinics, and mosques through donations and infrastructure upgrades
• Enabled food security by offering consistent access to affordable essential goods
  • Run literacy campaigns and health awareness drives through its community noticeboards and youth clubs

During the celebrations, citizens from as far as Hirshabelle and South West State traveled to Mogadishu to participate—a testament to Hayat’s reach and reputation. No giveaways or promotions were held during the celebration, emphasizing the brand’s genuine commitment to community engagement rather than commercial gain.

celebrations, citizens from as far as Hirshabelle

Community Empowerment through Job Creation and Skills Development

In the spirit of independence, Hayat Market continues to empower local communities through long-term employment initiatives. Over the past year, Hayat has:

• Created jobs for more than 800 people across branches
• Offered on-the-job training in customer service, inventory, and logistics
• Partnered with youth programs to develop skills in retail technology and food safety

“Working at Hayat gave me not just a job but dignity. I support my family, and I’m learning customer service skills every day. The celebration reminded me how proud I am to be Somali—and to be part of this brand.”
— Ms. Sumaya Nur, Retail Worker at Hayat Market

This consistent investment in human capital is enabling hundreds of families to become economically independent and is helping reduce youth unemployment—a key driver of long-term peace and development.

Raising Living Standards through Affordable and Quality Goods

Celebrating independence also means granting people access to dignity—and that includes reliable access to food, hygiene, and household products. Hayat Market has introduced international- standard product quality to Somalia's retail ecosystem, allowing citizens to enjoy:

• Safe, certified food products from trusted sources
• Affordable household and hygiene goods meeting international standards
• Transparent pricing models that protect consumers from inflation shocks

By raising expectations and providing high-quality alternatives, Hayat is not only elevating Somali lives but also positioning the market as a regional benchmark for excellence.

Supporting National Growth through Local Production

Aligned with the theme of independence, Hayat Market actively promotes Somali-grown and Somali-made products. The supermarket sources agricultural produce from farms in Lower Shabelle, Bay, and Bakool regions, as well as:

• Local dairy producers
• Food processing cooperatives
• Somali packaging and logistics vendors

This local sourcing strategy strengthens domestic supply chains, encourages food security, and keeps more value within the Somali economy—solidifying the link between national pride and local productivity.

“To celebrate independence is to invest in Somali hands, Somali land, and Somali ideas,” said a public servant Abdirashid Mohamud Mohamed .

Local and international observers noted that Hayat set a new benchmark for how private institutions can contribute meaningfully to national culture and recovery.

The  public   response    has been enthusiastic:

• “This is how a business becomes part of the nation’s ”
• “Hayat didn’t ask for attention—they earned it through ”
• “We came for the flag-raising, we stayed for the love.”

“What Hayat Market has done is more than business—it is nation-building. During Independence Week, they reminded us of what Somalia can become when we invest in ourselves.”— Hariro Abdifatah, Manager at African Institute

Hayat Market

Looking Ahead: A Model for Civic Celebration

Following the success of Independence Week, Hayat Market has announced intentions to continue hosting civic-focused programs throughout the year, including future celebrations and commemorations across other branches.

Plans include:

• Back-to-School campaigns with education-themed events
• Health awareness months in collaboration with health institutions
• Somali Heritage Month featuring cultural displays and food festivals

   “What we did during Independence Week is not a one-time effort—it’s a model. At Hayat, we believe retail can be a public space of hope, unity, and celebration. We want every store to reflect the dignity and dreams of our people,” said Amir M. Hassan, Hayat Market Spokesperson.

The model they presented in 2025 is now a reference for businesses across the region: a retail environment that doesn’t just serve goods, but serves the nation

“Hayat will always stand with the Somali people. We will continue to invest in progress that is felt, seen, and shared,” said Amir M. Hassan, Hayat Market Spokesperson.in a closing statement.

Independence Week, Hayat Market