Female Baristas Drive a Cultural Revolution in Somalia's Coffee Shops

2026-07-21 region

Mogadishu, 23 July 2026
Defying social backlash, young female baristas are transforming Mogadishu’s coffee scene, driving youth employment and popularising unique trends like adding espresso shots to traditional camel-milk tea.

Challenging Norms Behind the Counter

Every morning at six, Saabiriin Hassan slips on her apron as she takes her place behind the counter at Cplus Cafe in the heart of Mogadishu [4]. At age 23 in July 2026, her professional coffee-making career began in 2020 when she was just 17 after noticing a complete absence of female baristas in the capital [1][5]. She completed a three-month professional training course to learn the craft [1][2]. Despite initial societal backlash, which included warnings that she would remain unmarried for serving men in public, she persisted in her goals [1][4].

TikTok and Training: Inspiring a New Generation

Today, her influence has grown significantly beyond the physical counter. Hassan has amassed over 70,000 followers on TikTok, where she shares her coffee-making journey to inspire other young women to pursue professional skills [6]. Additionally, she now works as a trainer, reporting that the majority of students enrolling in Mogadishu’s barista training courses are female, illustrating a shift in how hospitality jobs are viewed by local youth [1][2].

Economic Catalysts and Diaspora Investment

This grassroots cultural shift is occurring against a backdrop of broader economic recovery and urban development in Mogadishu [1]. As security has improved, members of the Somali diaspora have returned to invest in their home country, driving the construction of new commercial centres, shopping malls, and cafés [1][4]. This commercial boom is crucial for a country where over 70% of the population is under the age of 35 and facing high local unemployment rates [1][2].

The Growth of Local Coffee Brands

A prime example of this commercial expansion is Beydan, a coffee company founded in Mogadishu in 2018 as a home bakery [2]. Under founder Najiib Abdullahi, who opened the first store in the Taleh neighbourhood in 2019, the brand spurred so much local development that the area was renamed “Wadada Beydan” (Beydan Road) [1][2]. Today, Beydan operates more than 10 branches across Somalia, employing 136 staff members [1][2]. With a workforce that is over 40% female, this equates to more than 54.4 female employees [1][2].

Financial Independence and Career Progression

For young women, these positions offer vital financial independence and career progression. Yusra Abdifatahi, 21, joined Beydan as a barista in 2023 and was recently promoted to branch manager [1][2]. She now oversees daily operations, quality control, and customer satisfaction, while using her salary to support her family and fund her university studies [1][6]. This transition from entry-level roles to management showcases the tangible economic empowerment that the sector provides to young Somali women [1][6].

Culinary Innovation and Regional Ambitions

The growth of Somalia’s coffee sector is also driving culinary innovation and regional expansion plans. Local cafés are popularising “soo dakhar”, a trend where a shot of espresso is added to traditional camel-milk tea, blending modern coffee culture with traditional Somali tastes [2][7]. Looking forward, established brands like Beydan are aiming to expand internationally, with plans to open new branches in Nairobi and other African cities, though a specific timeline for this expansion has not yet been established [1][2].

Bronnen

Women's empowerment Somali culture