We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.
Somali Business Owners Say Chinese Imports Threaten Survival, Affect
Employment
December 1, 2023
CategoryAfrica Central
Content TypePackage
LanguageEnglish
World RegionAfrica
Transcript/Script((INTRO))
[[In the bustling local markets of Mogadishu, Somalia, local business owners say
imported Chinese products are rapidly displacing their own manufactured goods.
Abdulkadir Zubeyr spoke to several business owners in Mogadishu and has this report
narrated by Carol Van Dam.]]
((NARRATOR))
Four years ago, Abukar Sheikh Abu’s shop used to be full, producing at least 20 pairs of
shoes daily. But nowadays, he says, the market has changed, with Chinese-made
products challenging local businessmen like him.
[[Radio track: Abu says before Chinese-made products that cost $2 to $3 flooded the
country, the shoes he made had a good market. They are high-quality shoes, he says,
soft and comfortable, especially for people who suffer from burning feet. The market
used to thrive, he says, and they used to ship products to Hargeisa, Djibouti and South
Africa. However, nowadays, Chinese-made products pose a challenge, he said.]]
((Abukar Sheikh Abu, Shop Owner)) ((Male, in Somali))
“These shoes had a market before Chinese-made products flooded the country, costing
$2 to $3. We make high-quality shoes; they are soft and comfortable, especially for
people suffering from burning feet [sign of nerve damage]. Our market used to thrive,
and we used to ship our products to Hargeisa, Djibouti and South Africa. However,
nowadays, Chinese-made products pose a challenge.”
((NARRATOR))
While Abu now produces only a few pairs daily, his main distribution is from customer
orders of clients who appreciate his products, like Sufi Mohamed Amin.
[[Radio track: Amin says he prefers handmade products because they are made of
leather and are comfortable, unlike Chinese-made shoes.]]
((Sufi Mohamed Amin, Customer)) ((Male, in Somali))
“I prefer these pairs of shoes because they are made of leather and provide comfort,
unlike Chinese-made shoes.”
((NARRATOR))
China does not only import shoes into Somalia; it also offers other products, from
clothing to utensils. Some customers like Ahmed Mohamed Hassan say they prefer
products from countries other than China.
[[Radio track: He says the clothes he buys are not made in China. He says although
they are of high quality and price; he frequently purchases clothes from stores during
festivals.]]
((Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, Customer)) ((Male, in Somali))
“These clothes are not made in China. They are of high quality, and I frequently
purchase clothes from this store during every festival. They import the clothes from the
U.S., and they cost around $30, in contrast to Chinese-made products, which cost $4 to
$5.”
((NARRATOR))
Fartun Qasim Ali purchases utensils from a local market in Mogadishu.
[[Radio track: She says she likes the variety of selections she gets out of products
imported from abroad.]]
((Fartun Qasim Ali, Customer)) ((Female, in Somali))
“We come here to buy utensils for gatherings. Locally made utensils have limited
variety, but those from abroad offer a wide selection, from jugs to plates.”
((NARRATOR))
Buying imported goods poses a challenge to locally made products, business owners
say. Sayid Ali Mowlid, a shopkeeper in the city, says it’s disheartening to see people
choose imported goods over local products.
[[Radio track: He says many people prefer imported goods over locally made products,
and that it is discouraging to hear people demean Somali-made goods.]]
((Sayid Ali Mowlid, Shopkeeper)) ((Male, in Somali))
“Many people prefer imported goods over locally made products, and that is
discouraging If you ask the person why they prefer imported goods, they might respond
in a demeaning manner, saying, ‘this is a Somali-made thing.’”
((NARRATOR))
Meanwhile in the capital, small-business owners like Abu say Chinese imports also
affect the employment of skilled young people who used to craft local shoes.
[[Radio track: Abu says they used to create jobs by making shoes.]]
((Abukar Sheikh Abu, Shop Owner)) ((Male, in Somali))
“We used to create employment opportunities by making these shoes. For instance,
sewing costs $1, and the craftsmanship and other labor for a pair of two shoes cost $10.
We used to sell each pair for $25 to $30.”
((NARRATOR))
Somali business owners say they find themselves in a precarious situation due to
Chinese imports pushing them or their products out of markets.
((For Abdulkadir Zubeyr in Mogadishu, Somalia, I’m Carol Van Dam.))
NewsML Media TopicsEconomy, Business and Finance
Season Number2023
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)Somalia
English TitleSomalia-China Small Businesses
Embargo DateDecember 1, 2023 14:52 EST
Description EnglishIn the bustling local markets of Mogadishu, Somalia, local business owners say imported Chinese products are rapidly displacing their own manufactured goods. Abdulkadir Zubeyr spoke to several business owners in Mogadishu and has this report.
