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West Lake Tyres has been named Best Franchise Company of the Year 2025 in Somalia, a recognition announced at this year’s SOBA Awards that highlights the company’s growing footprint in the country’s automotive sector. The award comes as West Lake Tyres continues to expand its franchise operations across major commercial centres, supplying tyres to individual motorists, transport operators, and businesses. Its model, built around franchised outlets rather than direct ownership, has allowed the brand to scale while maintaining a consistent market presence. Franchise operators working under the West Lake Tyres name follow uniform product standards, pricing frameworks, and service requirements. This structure has helped the company establish brand reliability in a market where variation in quality remains a common challenge. West Lake Tyres’ growth has largely tracked rising demand for vehicle maintenance and replacement parts, driven by increased transport activity and urban expansion. The company’s products are positioned for durability, a factor that has resonated with customers navigating mixed road conditions across the country.
Rather than focusing solely on sales volume, the franchise network has emphasized after-sales support and technical guidance. Customers are able to access tyre fitting, basic servicing, and product advice through authorised outlets, reducing dependence on informal supply chains. The franchise system has also created opportunities for local business owners. By operating under an established brand, franchisees gain access to centralised supply, marketing support, and operational guidance, while retaining day-to-day control of their outlets. Employment generated through the network spans sales staff, logistics handlers, technicians, and administrative roles. In several locations, West Lake Tyres outlets have become anchor automotive businesses, supporting related services in surrounding areas. 
The 2025 recognition is a result of steady execution rather than rapid expansion. According to management, the focus has remained on maintaining standards as the network grows, even when market conditions fluctuate. The SOBA Awards recognition places West Lake Tyres among a small group of companies acknowledged for franchise performance rather than single-location success. In a business environment where scalability often comes at the cost of consistency, the award reflects the company’s ability to manage both.
As demand for transport and logistics services continues to rise, West Lake Tyres is expected to remain a key player in the tyre supply market. The company has indicated that future growth will prioritise strengthening existing franchises before entering new locations. For West Lake Tyres, the Best Franchise Company of the Year title signals more than brand visibility. It marks a point at which a structured franchise model has proven viable in Somalia’s private sector, setting a reference point for similar businesses considering nationwide expansion.
