Mall of Africa

Isse Hussein and a group of Somali community leaders opened the Mall of Africa in 2021 on International Boulevard in SeaTac to provide a home for displaced East African entrepreneurs and create a vibrant cultural hub. Born from resilience after redevelopment projects forced immigrant-owned businesses to close, Hussein, a former refugee who once tended livestock in Somalia, stepped forward to help. Today, the Mall of Africa is home to approximately 41 independently owned stalls offering textiles, fragrances, jewelry, African-inspired fashion, and beauty products from across the continent. The onsite restaurant serves authentic Somali cuisine. More than just a marketplace, it’s a community gathering place celebrating African heritage and welcoming everyone to experience the warmth of African culture.