As the global gig economy continues to expand, Somali creators—writers, designers, developers, and digital marketers—are finding more opportunities to work remotely and earn an income online in a sustainable way. Freelancing gives talented individuals across Somalia and the diaspora a chance to access international markets, build a brand, and create meaningful and noteworthy work.
That said, there are so many platforms available that selecting the right platform becomes an arduous task. Choosing the right platform requires everything from appealing to beginners to fair terms and accommodating freelancers from Somalia or supporting Somali banking options. Below, we outline the best freelance platforms for Somali creators in 2025:
1. Upwork
Most suitable for: Professional freelancers with solid portfolios.
Upwork is one of the largest freelancing platforms in the world, and there are opportunities in many categories ranging from web development and translation to customer service and graphic design. Somali freelancers who can speak English well and have a solid portfolio can do well here. While the platform does have strict verification and operates in a very competitive spirit, it unlocks work from high-paying clients.
Pros:
- Large number of clients
- Escrow payment system
- Transparent job ratings and reviews
Cons:
- Competitive atmosphere
- 10-20 percent service fee.
2. Fiverr
Most suitable for: Creators interested in offering niche services.
Fiverr enables freelancers to publish services (referred to as “gigs”) starting from $5 and more. If you are a Somali freelancer interested in specific services, such as logo design or voiceovers in Somali or translations, this is a good platform. Freelancers do not apply to jobs; rather, clients find and hire them, so once clients leave positive reviews, it becomes easier to scale up.
Pros:
- Intuitive platform
- Good for creative services
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Can take time to obtain your first order
- 20% platform fee.
3. Toptal
Ideal for: Top-tier freelancers in software, finance, and design.
Toptal has a tough vetting process that only allows the top 3% of freelance work that applies, making it selective about who can even apply. Somali developers, designers, and finance gurus are earning top rates with both skill and experience on Toptal. This is not a platform for beginners; being at the top of your field is important.
Pros:
- High paying clients
- No bidding wars
- Professional experience
Cons:
- Highly selective
- Must pass screening to join.
4. Freelancer.com
Ideal for: Beginners who want to build experience.
Freelancer.com has a lot of different jobs available, and it is fairly easy to join the site. Somali creators that are just starting out with freelancing can think of this site to help build their profile (and rating). Keep in mind that you will be competing with others for gigs, and some of the offers might not be as strong with payments.
Pros:
- Lots of job listings
- Great for entry-level
- Competitions for creative jobs
Cons:
- Many low-cost listings
- Users have reported issues with fees and payment intercambio.
5. Workana
Who’s it for: Freelancers looking to work with Latin American clients or African clients.
Workana is growing in popularity for freelancers that are working with clients in emerging markets. It supports African freelancers and has more region-specific options and offers a more localised experience. Somalian freelancers may experience less competition than on Upwork or Fiverr, particularly if they are providing multilingual or region-specific services.
Pros:
- Freelancer friendly
- Less saturated
- Local projects
Cons:
- Fewer clients
- Fewer projects are available than on major platforms.
6. Boontech (Ethical Freelancing)
Who’s it for: Freelancers looking for a zero-fee platform.
Boontech is a newer platform, and there are no service fees for the freelancer using the platform. The platform is also open to users from African countries and promotes the ethical freelancing movement. Even as Boontech develops and grows, Somali creators can adopt a zero-fee platform early in their projects.
Pros:
- No fees
- Open to African freelancers
- Ethical mission
Cons:
- Less jobs available
- Smaller community.
Advice for Somali freelancers:
- Use a global payment solution: Payoneer and Wise (formerly TransferWise) are often more useful than PayPal in Somalia.
- Utilise your language: Somali is valuable. Try offering translation, transcription, and voiceover.
- Use your social media: let potential clients know about you and what you have to offer on LinkedIn, Twitter, and TikTok.
- Build a solid profile: make sure to have a professional photo, a well-rounded bio, and a portfolio.
- Start small: don’t get discouraged by low-paying gigs at first; you are building your reviews
- Be professional: communicate, deliver on time, and impress your clients when possible.
- Learn and evolve: all platforms develop; keep yourself updated and continue with skill development.
- Leverage local resources: Become a part of Somali freelance groups on Facebook or Telegram for support and networking
Conclusion:
Freelancing provides Somali creators a way to work within the global economy from anywhere in the world. Regardless of whether you’re an artist living in Hargeisa or a web developer in the diaspora, there are tools and sites such as Upwork and Fiverr that can help you tap into freelancing opportunities. Find the freelancing platform that works for you, offering you the services that fit your skillset and experience, as well as your personal goals, and start freelancing today !.
For Somali creators, freelancing is a robust way to get self-sufficiency, earn an income globally, and connect with clients worldwide. And there are so many options regardless of whether you are new to freelancing or if you have already started – there are opportunities on Upwork, Fiverr, and local communities such as MaalMall. If you have enough skill and strategy and want to work hard, there is no reason Somali freelancers cannot be successful in this digital economy.
