Mogadishu, Somalia – The quiet bounce of a ping-pong ball is beginning to echo once again across Somalia. In mid-August 2025, the Somalia Table Tennis Federation (STTF) launched a grassroots campaign aimed at reviving the sport, sparking fresh enthusiasm among youth and creating new opportunities for local artisans.
As part of the initiative, locally manufactured tables have been set up in Mogadishu, Baidoa, and Kismayo—marking the first widespread reintroduction of the game in years. For many Somalis, table tennis was once a familiar pastime in schools, clubs, and community centers, but decades of conflict and lack of infrastructure pushed it to the margins of sporting life.
The revival is designed to provide young people with a safe, affordable, and enjoyable activity that also develops discipline, focus, and teamwork. At the same time, the program is stimulating local economies. Artisans and carpenters have been contracted to produce the tables, a move that not only reduces costs but also injects money into neighborhood businesses. Several craftspeople in Mogadishu and Baidoa have already benefitted from the demand, turning table production into a welcome source of income.
In Baidoa, young players are embracing the new facilities as an alternative to football, while schools in Kismayo have begun integrating table tennis into their physical education programs. Coaches and community groups are working to organize local tournaments, laying the groundwork for broader participation.
Although Somalia’s sports sector has long been dominated by football and athletics, the STTF sees potential for table tennis to develop its own following. Plans are underway to expand the program to additional towns in the coming months, with aspirations of building a pipeline of players who may eventually represent Somalia in regional competitions.
The return of table tennis is emerging as both a recreational outlet and a symbol of renewal. In a country where sports often serve as a unifying force, the revival of this game carries significance beyond entertainment.