In markets across Somalia, women traders are relying on traditional savings groups, known as ayuuto, to buy stock, cover school fees and expand their businesses without turning to loans.Each member contributes a fixed sum every week or month, and one member receives the entire pot in turn. The system is built on trust between neighbours and fellow traders, and many groups have run for years with the same members.<h2>From cash boxes to mobile wallets</h2>A growing number of groups now collect contributions through mobile money, which members say is safer than handling cash and makes it easier to keep records. "Everyone can see who has paid on their phone, so there are fewer arguments," said a woman who manages a group of clothing sellers in Mogadishu's main market.Traders said the lump sum from their turn often allows them to buy goods in bulk at lower prices, or to add new products such as cosmetics or kitchenware. Some groups have also set aside a small emergency fund to help members facing illness or a family crisis.Many members say the groups offer more than money. Weekly meetings are a chance to share advice on suppliers, prices and customers, and newer traders often learn the basics of running a stall from more experienced women in the group.Business trainers say savings groups could be strengthened with simple bookkeeping lessons, helping members track profits and plan how to use their payout.This is demo content for testing the Warar website. It is not a real news report.

Traditional savings groups known as ayuuto are helping women market traders buy stock, pay school fees and expand their businesses without loans.

Women's savings groups help market traders grow their small 

Members contribute a fixed amount each week and take turns receiving the full pot, now often collected through mobile money.

Women's savings groups help market traders grow their small businesses

Fish traders in the port city of Kismayo are pooling their savings to build a shared cold storage facility, hoping to reduce the amount of fish that spoils in the heat before it can be sold.The cooperative, made up of boat owners and women who sell fish at the local market, said that without refrigeration much of the day's catch must be sold within hours, often at low prices. Ice is available but expensive and not always reliable.<h2>Reaching inland markets</h2>Members say chilled storage would let them collect fish over several days and send larger, fresher loads to inland towns, where demand for fish is growing but supply is irregular. "If we can keep the fish cold, we can choose when to sell instead of selling at any price," said a woman who has traded fish for many years.The facility will run on a mix of grid power and solar panels to keep costs down. The cooperative is also planning training on hygiene and handling, so that its fish can meet the standards demanded by hotels and restaurants.Fishermen said a reliable buyer would also encourage them to fish more carefully, avoiding young fish that fetch low prices. The cooperative wants to keep records of each catch so that members can see how much they earn over the season.Local officials have welcomed the project and said they would look at improving the road to the landing site, which becomes difficult to use during the rains.This is demo content for testing the Warar website. It is not a real news report.

Fish traders in Kismayo are pooling money to build cold storage, aiming to keep their catch fresh for longer and sell to buyers in inland towns.

Kismayo fish traders invest in cold storage to cut waste and

A cooperative of fishermen and women fish sellers says chilled storage would give them far more time to sell each day's catch.

Kismayo fish traders invest in cold storage to cut waste and reach new buyers

Importers and clearing agents at Mogadishu port say a new online customs clearance system is cutting paperwork and reducing the time containers spend waiting at the docks.Under the system, traders submit shipping documents and pay fees electronically, then track the progress of their clearance from a phone or computer. Port officials said the aim was to make the process more transparent and to reduce queues at customs offices.<h2>Less waiting, fewer trips</h2>"Before, I had to visit three offices and wait for signatures. Now most of it is done online and I get a message when the goods are ready," said a clearing agent who handles shipments of building materials. Traders said quicker clearance also reduces storage charges, which can add up when containers are held for several days.However, some smaller importers said they were still learning to use the platform and that slow internet connections sometimes interrupted uploads. Port officials said a help desk had been set up near the main gate to assist traders with registration and document scanning.Clearing agents said the system has also made fees clearer, since charges are shown on screen before payment is made. Some said this had reduced disputes over costs and made it easier to give customers accurate quotes before goods arrive.Business groups said they hoped the system would eventually connect with other ports in the country, allowing goods to move more smoothly between regions.This is demo content for testing the Warar website. It is not a real news report.

Importers at Mogadishu port say a new online customs clearance system is cutting paperwork and waiting times, though some traders still need help.

Mogadishu port traders welcome faster online customs clearan

Clearing agents say documents that once took days to process can now be submitted and tracked from a phone or laptop.

Mogadishu port traders welcome faster online customs clearance

Traders in Mogadishu's busiest markets have welcomed a new mobile payment system that lets customers pay with a single phone transaction.Many said the system reduces the risk of carrying cash and makes daily bookkeeping simpler. Women who sell vegetables and clothing said it helps them save and restock more easily.<h2>Remaining challenges</h2>Some traders complained about service fees and patchy internet connections, which can delay payments during busy hours.This is demo content for testing the Warar website. It is not a real news report.

Traders in Mogadishu's main markets have welcomed a new mobile payment system that lets customers pay with one phone tap and reduces cash handling.

Mogadishu traders embrace new mobile payment system

Market traders say mobile payments cut cash risks and speed up daily accounts.

Business – Warar

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