In the heart of Dar es Salaam in Niamey, Niger a story of entrepreneurship and friendship has taken root. Born in 1997, Abdoul Razak and Ibrahim decided to combine their skills to open a barbershop in the neighbourhood where they grew up. Amidst an atmosphere of energy and determination, they embarked on a shared journey — a narrative that exemplifies the capacity of Nigerien youth to carve their own path to success.

Learning and formative detour

Abdoul Razak and Ibrahim  began their careers in barbering in 2013. While their careers truly took off around 2015, Abdoul Razak and Ibrahim initially followed separate paths, gaining distinct yet complementary experiences.

For Abdoul Razak, 2013 was marked by a journey to Accra, in Ghana. Once there, he temporarily set aside his initial barbing training in favour of another course. Yet hairdressing continued to draw him in. “Every evening, I would spend time outside a barbershop,” he recalls. This ritual eventually caught the attention of the shop’s owner.

After repeated invitations and encouragement from the barber, the young man finally yielded to the call of the clippers. “He encouraged me to get started every time. He insisted so much that one evening, I picked up the clippers and decided to hone my skills alongside him,” he says, smiling. His time in Accra was more than just a trip; it was an intense professional immersion that allowed him to acquire the techniques and discipline that would prove crucial upon his return.

In 2015, Abdoul Razak returned to Niamey, where he continued to practise, first working as an assistant in various salons across the capital. This apprenticeship phase, shared by both entrepreneurs, served as a true laboratory for experimentation and skill refinement.

A collaboration born in childhood

From 2015 to 2019, the two young barbers worked separately, dedicating themselves to mastering every aspect of their craft. They spent these years in Niamey, refining their techniques and building their reputations, unknowingly preparing for the launch of their own business.

The year 2019 marked a decisive turning point. Despite the Nigerien socio-economic context being considered challenging for entrepreneurship and the inherent obstacles of starting a business in Niamey, Abdoul Razak and Ibrahim made the bold decision to open their own barbershop. They chose to open in Dar es Salam, their home neighbourhood.

“Here, everyone knows us and trusts our skills,” Abdoul Razak explains. This strategic choice relies on the trust of the local community – a valuable asset when starting a business. It ensures a loyal clientele and effective word-of-mouth marketing, which is essential for the reputation of a service-oriented enterprise. 

Their collaboration is never a matter of chance, but the result of a childhood friendship. “Abdoul Razak and I grew up together here in Dar es Salam,” says Ibrahim. This mutual trust drives their performance, facilitating decision-making, task sharing and cohesion, all of which are reflected in the quality of their service.

Abdoul Razak’s experience in Accra, particularly with regard to haircut styles and organisational techniques, was shared with Ibrahim, thereby enriching the salon’s offerings. Gado, a regular customer, has nothing but praise: “There isn’t a haircut style these young men can’t reproduce.” This reputation for technical excellence has become the salon’s hallmark.

A model of success and economic resilience

When they first launched their business, the young entrepreneurs set out to attract the young people in their neighbourhood. Their gamble quickly paid off. Their success soon spread beyond Dar es Salaam, attracting customers from the surrounding districts. This rapid growth boosted their revenue and significantly strengthened their economic resilience.

Until recently, like many young people, they relied partly on their parents for financial support. That time is now over. “Today, I no longer need to ask my parents for anything,” confides Ibrahim. He adds, “I take full responsibility for myself, and I can even support my parents — all thanks to my work as a barber.”

This shift from dependency to self-reliance is a source of pride and motivation and embodies dignity through work. Ibrahim emphasises one fundamental principle: “Your parents won’t always be there to support you.”

The journeys of Abdoul Razak and Ibrahim serve as an inspiring model for young people in Niger. They hope to encourage their peers to build their futures at home, challenging the idea that success can only be found abroad.

Abdoul Razak sums up this transformation: “Before, I dreamed of being a basketball player. I thought that was the path to success — it was even one of the reasons I went to Accra. Yet it’s through barbering that I’ve excelled and earned a living.” His story highlights the importance of embracing unexpected paths to success and of valuing professions that provide financial independence locally.

The success of these two barbers provides a valuable lesson in entrepreneurship in a country where more than 50% of the population is under 30 and youth unemployment continues to rise. They demonstrate that, with skill, friendship and a locally rooted vision, it is possible to create value, generate indirect employment and contribute actively to the local economy.

The Dar es Salaam barbershop is much more than just a place to get a haircut. It has become a symbol of hope, demonstrating the potential of Nigerien youth to take control of their own future.