Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Hayat Market has been voted Best Supermarket of the Year in Somalia, earning the top honor after a nationwide voting process that ran for three months and wrapped up on 13th November. The award was part of the 6th edition of the SOBA Awards (Somali Business Awards), an annual event that highlights companies making a strong and positive impact in Somalia’s business community.
This year’s awards broke all previous records. More than 1.7 million votes were cast across the different categories, showing just how engaged the Somali public has become in recognizing businesses that deliver on their promises. For Hayat Market, the win reflects not just commercial success, but the confidence and appreciation of everyday shoppers from across the country.
A Recognition Driven by Real Customers
Unlike awards determined behind closed doors, the SOBA winners are chosen directly by the public. That makes Hayat Market’s victory particularly meaningful. Customers rewarded the supermarket for its steady service, wide product range, and an environment that feels organized, clean, and dependable. For many families, Hayat Market has become a reliable part of daily life, offering everything from household essentials to specialty items under one roof.
Hayat Market Setting a Standard in Somali Retail
Somalia’s retail sector has come a long way in recent years. Customers today expect better service, more choice, and more professional business operations. Hayat Market has been one of the businesses leading that change. Through investments in trained staff, better supply chains, and modern retail practices, the supermarket has helped raise expectations across the industry.
Its win reinforces the message that Somali consumers pay attention to quality—and they are willing to recognize it.
A Big Year for the Somali Business Awards
The 6th edition of the SOBA Awards stands out not just for its winners, but for the level of public involvement. Over 1.7 million votes is a milestone that says a lot about how people view business in the country today. Customers want to be part of the conversation, and they want to see businesses rewarded for good service, integrity, and professionalism.
Hayat Market’s win is one example of that shift. It shows that Somali consumers are not choosing blindly—they are watching, evaluating, and speaking with their votes.
Looking Forward
With the award in hand, Hayat Market has more momentum than ever. The supermarket has already signaled that it plans to continue expanding its services, improving the customer experience, and supporting local suppliers wherever possible. The goal is not only to keep pace with industry growth but to stay ahead of it.
An Important Moment for Somalia’s Private Sector
Beyond the individual win, this award says something bigger about the direction Somalia is heading. Local businesses are growing, customers are becoming more vocal, and companies are increasingly expected to earn their reputations through real performance.
Hayat Market’s victory at the 6th Somali Business Awards is a strong reminder of what can be achieved through consistent service and genuine commitment to customers—and it marks a proud moment for the country’s business community as a whole.