ILO Voices | Entrepreneurship
How I built my tea stall business in Somalia
In Somalia, Hawa Ali Mohamed runs a tea stall in a marketplace that was rehabilitated through an ILO project. As the sole breadwinner, she now has a stable place to work and can support her children.
21 May 2026
My name is Hawa Ali Mohamed. I live in the city of Baidoa in Somalia. I am a mother of five children.
I never had the chance to attend school. I wanted to study in a formal school and an Islamic school, but I didn’t get that opportunity.
When I came of age, I was married off to a man, and that shaped the path of my life.
I faced many challenges, including separating from the man I lived with and with whom I had my children.
I became the sole breadwinner for my family. There was no other family member to help, not even a little support.
Questions were running through my head: How can I provide for my children? How can I make a living?
My only goal was to provide for my children. It encouraged me to work hard, regardless of the situation I was in.
I took on many manual jobs. I worked on construction sites and sold water on the streets, carrying heavy jerricans. It was not easy, but I pushed through.
Before I had no skills. I used my energy and determination to work, knowing that my children had no one else to rely on.
Hawa Ali Mohamed, Tea stall business entrepreneur
I had an idea to run a tea stall, but starting the business was challenging. I went to shops and asked for credit, but they refused.
After a while, I got some help. I borrowed some cups, a thermos and other utensils – enough to start with.
I used to do business in the open. I hung a piece of cloth to create shade and a small space to operate. They were difficult conditions to work in. When it rained, business would stop.
Some days I earned something, some days I didn’t. When business was slow, I would take home whatever food was left for my children.
A local community leader told me about the International Labour Organization (ILO) market renovation project. Since I was facing many challenges, I decided to take part.
The project taught me a lot. For example, I learned how to record what I sell on credit and what people owe me. Before, I did not write anything down.
Now I record what I borrow, what I earn and what is owed to me, and I have benefited from it.
I hope to keep improving my business and get more investments to build a better life for my family.
Hawa Ali Mohamed, Tea stall business entrepreneur
My old life and my new life are different.
Before I had no skills. I used my energy and determination to work, knowing that my children had no one else to rely on.
Now I have a proper space in the market. I have a place to sit and work, and I am independent.
My schedule is good: in the morning I go to the market, and we all work together there. God decides what you get, but I manage my small business very well.
It makes me happy that I have the tea stall, that people buy the food I cook, and that I can handle my household needs and take care of my children.
I hope to keep improving my business and get more investments to build a better life for my family.
My advice to others is never to give up. They should work hard for their children and keep trying.
Fast facts
- Hawa received business and entrepreneurship training through the ILO project ‘Sustainable return and reintegration through Employment-Intensive Infrastructure works’ in Somalia. The project will run until December 2026.
- It is funded by the Federal Republic of Germany through the KfW Development Bank and implemented by the ILO in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works of Southwest State of Somalia and the Baidoa District Authority.
- It has included the rehabilitation of roads, footpaths, water crossings and market infrastructure, improving access to services and supporting local economic activity.
- Previously neglected and run-down, Sigaale Market in Baidoa – where Hawa runs her tea stall – has become a vibrant hub of commerce.
- By working together with community leaders, elders and local authorities, the project ensured that the market’s transformation reflected the needs and aspirations of Baidoa’s most vulnerable populations.
Video interview with Janis Müller-Späth, KfW Development Bank, Germany
Find out more
Sustainable return and reintegration through Employment-Intensive Infrastructure works
ILO-led renovation transforms a market in southern Somalia into a hub of dignity and opportunity
Germany – ILO Partnership
Global Coalition for Social Justice
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