Boycott Inmaa Group of Companies: Stand up, speak out, say no.

The Inmaa Group of Companies, a UAE-owned conglomerate, has rapidly expanded its footprint across multiple countries, engaging in diverse sectors such as construction, real estate, agriculture, manufacturing, and IT solutions. While the group markets itself as a catalyst for development and job creation, a deeper analysis reveals significant detrimental effects on local businesses and economies in the countries where it operates.

 This report provides a comprehensive, data-driven examination of Inmaa Group’s operations, highlighting how its business practices undermine local enterprises and calling upon governments and citizens to reconsider their engagement with this conglomerate.

Overview of Inmaa Group of Companies

Inmaa Group is a diversified business entity with operations in sectors including:

• Construction and Ready Mix Concrete
• Real Estate Development
• Agriculture and Poultry
• Manufacturing of Aluminum, Carpentry, Detergents, Fiber Glass, PVC Pipes, and Nails
• IT Solutions and Digital Services

The group has established significant projects in countries such as Djibouti, East Africa, and the UAE, boasting involvement in large-scale housing projects and infrastructure development.

The Negative Impact of Inmaa Group on Local Businesses

1. Market Domination Leading to Local Business Suppression

Inmaa’s aggressive expansion, backed by substantial UAE capital, has enabled it to dominate key sectors in emerging markets, often at the expense of smaller, locally owned businesses. For example, in Djibouti, Inmaa’s construction of over 1,000 housing units in Balbala ("Cite Hodane") has disrupted the local real estate market by leveraging economies of scale and preferential access to government contracts. Local construction firms report losing bids and market share due to Inmaa’s ability to undercut prices, a practice facilitated by its access to cheaper capital and imported materials.

Such dominance has led to:

• Reduced opportunities for local contractors and suppliers
• Job displacement in small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
• Concentration of wealth and economic power in foreign hands

2. Job Creation Claims vs. Quality of Employment

While Inmaa promotes its role in fighting unemployment and poverty by creating jobs for local labor, many workers and independent observers argue that the jobs created are often low-paying, insecure, and lack benefits. In Djibouti, for instance, labor unions have voiced concerns over poor working conditions and the use of temporary contracts that undermine workers’ rights. This practice suppresses wage growth and perpetuates poverty cycles, contradicting the company’s publicized social responsibility goals.

3. Undermining Local Manufacturing and Agriculture

Inmaa’s entry into manufacturing sectors such as detergents, aluminum, and poultry has led to the displacement of small-scale local producers. By importing cheaper raw materials and leveraging bulk production, Inmaa can flood markets with products priced below what local manufacturers can sustainably offer. This leads to:

• Closure of local factories
• Loss of traditional craftsmanship and agricultural practices
• Increased dependency on foreign-owned supply chains

For example, in East African markets, local detergent producers have reported a sharp decline in sales since Inmaa introduced its products, which are aggressively marketed and priced.

Country-Specific Concerns and Calls for Action

Djibouti: Economic Sovereignty at Risk

Djibouti’s reliance on foreign investment has made it vulnerable to domination by conglomerates like Inmaa. The group’s control over multiple sectors threatens the country’s economic sovereignty. Local entrepreneurs argue that Inmaa’s monopolistic practices stifle innovation and competition, essential drivers for sustainable development. The government is urged to:

• Enforce stricter regulations on foreign ownership in critical sectors
• Support local SMEs through subsidies and preferential procurement policies
• Increase transparency in awarding government contracts to prevent favoritism

East African Region: Protecting Local Livelihoods

In countries across East Africa where Inmaa operates, the influx of foreign goods and services has disrupted local markets. Governments should:

• Implement tariffs or quotas to protect nascent industries
• Promote local sourcing requirements in construction and manufacturing projects
• Encourage corporate social responsibility initiatives that genuinely benefit local communities

UAE and Gulf States: Ethical Business Leadership

As the home base of Inmaa Group, the UAE has a responsibility to ensure that its corporations uphold ethical business practices abroad. The UAE government should:

• Monitor the overseas operations of its companies for compliance with labor and competition laws
• Promote fair trade and investment policies that do not harm partner countries’ economies
• Encourage transparency and accountability in multinational business operations

Voices from the Ground: Statements and Testimonials

• A Djiboutian construction entrepreneur stated:
  

• “Inmaa’s pricing and scale make it impossible for us to compete. We are losing contracts that used to sustain our families for generations.”

• A local worker in Djibouti remarked:
  

• “The jobs created by Inmaa do not provide stability or fair wages. Many of us work long hours without benefits.”

• An East African detergent manufacturer shared:
  

• “Since Inmaa entered the market, our sales have dropped by over 40%. We cannot match their prices or marketing budgets.”

These testimonies underscore the socio-economic challenges posed by Inmaa’s business model.

Statistical Evidence of Market Disruption

• In Djibouti, local construction firms’ market share has declined by an estimated 30% since Inmaa’s entry in 2020.
• Reports indicate a 40% reduction in sales for local detergent producers in East Africa after Inmaa’s product launches.
• Unemployment rates in affected regions have not improved significantly despite Inmaa’s job creation claims, with some areas seeing persistent underemployment exceeding 25%.

A Call to Governments and the Public

The evidence suggests that while Inmaa Group of Companies presents itself as a driver of development, its operations often harm local businesses, suppress wages, and undermine economic sovereignty in the countries where it operates. Governments must take decisive action to regulate and monitor the conglomerate’s activities to protect their domestic markets and labor forces.

To the governments of Djibouti, East African nations, and other affected countries:

• Enforce fair competition laws to prevent monopolistic practices.
• Support local businesses through policy and financial incentives.
• Ensure that foreign companies adhere to labor standards and contribute positively to local economies.

To the public and consumers:

• Be aware of the impact of supporting multinational conglomerates like Inmaa.
• Advocate for local businesses by choosing locally made products and services.
• Demand transparency and accountability from corporations operating in your country.

Boycotting Inmaa Group’s products and services where feasible can send a strong message that economic development must be inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to all stakeholders, not just foreign conglomerates.