Business at home became a better bet than migration

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Monday March 17, 2025

Mohamed Omar Hussein assists a customer in his bustling men's clothing store in Mogadishu/Abdirizak Hajirow/Ergo

(ERGO) – Six months after opening a men’s clothing store in the Somali capital Mogadishu, Mohamed Omar Hussein is proud to manage the lives of his four siblings and mother. His new venture has transformed their circumstances, providing stability and hope.

Mohamed now ensures three meals a day, covers rent, and funds his brothers’ education through his clothing business. He opened the shop in Bakara market last September, earning a monthly profit of $500-$700.

“Thank God, after a few months, the shop became successful,” Mohamed said. “I made enough money to bring my family from the countryside to Daynile district in the capital Mogadishu. Now, I cover all our expenses from this business.”

Mohamed financed the shop with $8,000 that he had planned to use for migrating to Europe or the USA. He abandoned his migration plans after witnessing the struggles of others who had attempted such journeys.

“I saw many young people languishing in Libyan prisons. I realised that if I used the money for migration and it didn’t work out, I would have nothing left. That’s why I decided to start a business and invest what I had,” he told Radio Ergo.

The capital for his business came from selling a plot his mother owned in Buloburde, Hiran region, for $7,000, along with $1,000 saved from his electrical repair work.

Mohamed’s determination to support his family led him to this business venture. Electrical repair jobs produced insufficient income.

“This shop covers all our monthly expenses and more. I earn more than I expected, and it has improved our living circumstances tremendously.”

Mohamed pays for the education of his four siblings in high school, with a combined monthly fee of $85.

He now believes that investing in the country is the key to reducing migration driven by economic hardships.

“Migration is often seen as a solution to economic, social, and political problems. But I believe in creating opportunities within our country. Investing here can provide a better life for many,” he said.

Mohamed now educates other young people about the risks of migration and the benefits of investing locally.

“The only way to reduce migration is to create a better life here,” he said. “People shouldn’t feel the need to leave. We have the resources; we just need to invest in them.”

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