Mogadishu, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has officially inaugurated the Banaadir Steel Factory in the Somali capital, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push toward industrial revival and economic self-reliance.
The modern plant, situated in the heart of Mogadishu’s industrial zone, will produce construction-grade reinforcement steel using recycled metal — a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to reduce dependence on imports while promoting sustainable manufacturing.
The launch represents a major step in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and create long-term employment opportunities for its youth. For years, the construction sector has relied heavily on imported steel, raising costs and limiting local growth. The Banaadir Steel Factory aims to reverse that trend by offering high-quality products sourced and processed domestically.
During the inauguration, President Mohamud underscored the government’s broader vision of transforming Somalia into a nation that not only rebuilds but produces — a country where local entrepreneurs, artisans, and industrialists drive progress. He emphasized that economic empowerment and private investment are key to sustaining the gains made in peace and stability.
The factory’s operations are expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, from engineers and factory workers to transporters and metal collectors, giving many families new sources of income. Beyond its economic benefits, the facility also contributes to environmental protection by recycling scrap metal that would otherwise end up in landfills or abandoned lots.
Observers view the project as a reflection of growing investor confidence in Somalia’s economy. It also aligns with the government’s strategy to support small and medium-scale industries that can meet domestic demand and generate exports in the near future.
As the factory’s first machines roared to life, the moment symbolized more than just the opening of an industrial plant — it signaled a nation steadily reclaiming its capacity to build, produce, and thrive through its own hands.