Somalia’s construction boom in mogadishu gives women high ambitions

Construction is flourishing in the capital of Somalia, and since Movishu literally rises from the ashes of its violent past, it also gives unexpected opportunities to women like Fati Mohammed Abdi and Saadia Ahmed Omar.

The two young engineers are monitoring the construction of an apartment complex on 10 floors in Tale in the town of Hodan.

Wearing hard hats, they move on their way through building materials, issuing instructions to a team of workers – all of whom are men.

“When I started, people doubted me,” says 24-year-old Mrs. Abdi, Chief Operations Officer of Arkan Engineering Services, Somalic Construction Company, in front of the BBC.

“They would ask,” How can we trust a house built by a woman? How can I trust my money and property with a young woman engineer? “

She and her colleague Da -Ozar have been practicing engineers over the last five years.

“Mogadishu needs us,” says G -Ozar, who is also 24 years old. “When I was young, this city was in chaos. Now, we are part of its reconstruction.”

Somalia, a former Italian colony, survived a prolonged civil war after President Siad Barre’s government collapsed in January 1991.

Even now, there are still marks of decades of war – like in the central Shangani neighborhood, where there are bombed buildings. But the ruins become hidden or replaced by high office complexes and apartments, and a silhouette littered with cranes and skeletons.

Both young women were born during the Civil War and grew up, witnessing their country’s fragmentation. While many Somalians chose to leave, they remained, passionate, despite the fact that the rebels were led by Al Shabab, a group related to al -Qaeda.

“I think that part of the reason women get more chances in this field is that there is so much work and not enough professionals to do it. This creates a place for us,” says G -Ozar.

Ibrahim Abdi Hyle, chairman of the Somali Engineers Association, agrees that the great demand for qualified professionals leads to a change – even slowly in the traditionally dominated Somali male society.

“With the numerous current projects for infrastructure, energy and technology, the load has increased significantly. As a result, the association actively promotes greater participation from women, emphasizing that they are not only welcomed but also vital for filling critical gaps in the workforce,” says the 34-year-old.

“The association believes that empowerment of women in engineering not only helps to satisfy growing demand, but also brings different perspectives and innovative solutions to the industry.”

According to the office of the mayor of Mogadishu, over 6,000 buildings have been built in the last five years, which has noted a significant change in the landscape of the city.

“Mogadishu security has improved, which has led to an increase in high and commercial buildings,” says Salah Hassan Omar, a spokesman for the mayor.

Nevertheless, it was not an easy way for d -jj Abdi and d -Omar, since only 5% of engineers are women -and they often find opportunities for mentoring are scarce.

“When I applied for internships, most companies rejected me,” remembers G -Omar. “They did not think that a woman could handle the physical requirements of engineering. I looked for three months before someone finally gave me a chance.”

Today, the two are among the most recognized female engineers in Mogadishu, watching more than 30 multimillion-dollar projects.

“The city is already home to higher buildings and modern infrastructure, a sharp contrast to the magic of the past,” says Gi Abdi proudly.

But not all are satisfied with the transformation. Veteran architect Caidow Cabdul Bulii mourns the loss of the historic character of the city.

“The buildings that once decorated Somalia before the war were not only beautiful but also attracted attention because of their Italian -style architecture, which was rare in Africa at the time,” he told the BBC. “Mogadishu urban planning was highly structured.”

G -n Boolaay also has concerns about safety: “The sand used in Mogadishu buildings is salt, which undermines its efficiency.”

Somali’s long coastline sand is often used to create cement – a practice that is usually discouraged and in many circumstances limited by international construction standards, as high salt content can cause steel corrosion.

“These tall buildings are not designed to withstand fire or heavy rain, and safety for tenants is not considered during development. Many of these buildings have no fire extinguishers and proper electrical installations,” he adds – apparently disappointed.

It is cautious of the pace at which buildings are built, which in his opinion is a compromise of quality control.

For years, there were no regulations leading to concerns about their structural integrity.

The mayor’s office admits that it was so three years ago – and says that nothing can be done for these buildings.

But he insists that there is now “quality control and no one will build a building without it.”

“We (also) are preparing new laws that will clearly determine where tall buildings can be built and where only residential houses should be built.”

Still, there are concerns that while the provisions are present – there are often no subsequent inspections due to the speed of the building boom.

G -Ja Abdi and Da -Omar, who have graduated from the Faculty of Civil Engineering from the University of Plasma, say that under their company all their projects are approved by local authorities.

The rapid growth of construction projects is due to the investment in the diaspora, as well as to improved security – although Islamist fighters who control large parts of southern Somalia are still aimed at the city.

According to the World Bank, cash transfers make up 16.7% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022 – something that gave the opportunity to architects and engineers.

But rapid urbanization has also exposed Mogadishu to the challenges of infrastructure – there is no appropriate sewage and unregulated drilling atrocities, exhaustion of groundwater reserves.

Christoph Hodre, climate security advisor and the environment, warns that a hassle -free construction boom can have long -term environmental effects.

“We need a coordinated approach to water management or risk in a crisis in the future. Every new building digs its own well … There can be 10 or 20 wells in a small space,” he told the BBC.

The government, in partnership with international organizations, is working on a new sewer system, but its implementation may require the destruction of existing buildings – a controversial move that can displace residents and businesses.

D -Hodre adds that there is a high population density in mogadishu – people driven in the city by drought and conflict.

An increase in the urban population, especially in the areas of poor neighborhoods, can further increase poverty and social differences, he says.

Despite these challenges, the future of Mogadishu seems promising. The city strives to apply urban development rules, improve infrastructure and guarantee sustainable growth.

Even the bombing of the Islamist armed group Al Shabab – whose fighters tend to target plush hotels, often occupied by politicians – does not put the enthusiasm for the Somali engineers Association.

G -Hil admits that he can be upset for architects and engineers whose buildings have been destroyed, but notes that the Somalians have become sustainable – especially those who study engineering.

“Many explosions have happened; our dreams have not stopped this. Today we revive the engineering profession, which collapsed 30 years ago. This means there is hope.”

And the ambition is that in five years, Mogadishu will be not only a modern city, but also a model after conflict reconstruction.

“I believe that Mogadishu is a different city compared to the 90s; the city has changed in a new style, and the development of Mogadishu is in accordance with the new world,” says G -Ozar.

“When I go through the streets and see buildings that I helped build, I feel proud. We not just build structures; we build hope.”

D -Ja Abdi agrees, adding: “We prove that women can not only design buildings, but also lead projects and shape the city.”