HOST INTRO: The restaurant industry has a significate share in the Mauritanian Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The capital of Mauritania, Nouakchott’s restaurant industry, has seen some of the most unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic like all other restaurant industries in the world. Many businesses have been forced to make some notable changes to the way they operate. These changes include laying off some of their valuable employees. One unexpected impact that resulted from the Pandemic is the thriving in the street food business. Fatimetou Vall spoke with one woman who was a chef assistant at the NKC SPOT who had been laid off from work and started a new business in the Pandemic.
TRACK: I’m here in Avenue Abdel Nasir in Nouakchott with Takiya Ahmed, watching her selling food from her food truck. Takiya was laid off from work during the pandemic, and she was not eligible for unemployment under the Mauritanian government. So, she decided to start her own business and open a food truck on the street. Takiya’s not the only food truck owner here; This avenue has about three other food trucks. Avenue Abdel Nasir barely had one food truck pre-pandemic.
AMBI: Customers ordering food and traffic noises.
ACT: Takiya: I was a chef assistant for more than five years, and the only thing I never imagined was to be laid off from work. However, when the pandemic started and the restaurant, I worked in had to close all dine-in, which was a large part of their business strategy due to locale government restrictions, a curfew was 8 pm. They transitioned to takeout and delivery services, so I knew I would either be laid off or get fewer hours of work.
TRACK: She said that it’s been a serious challenge.
ACT: Takiya: It’s been very demanding for me to start a new business in the middle of the pandemic. I didn’t have enough money to buy all the necessary equipment I needed. I had to take a loan to buy a food truck and start the business.
TRACK: Yet, she could start the business and do something she like while earning a living out of it.
ACT: Takiya: I’m anticipating getting out of this business to support my family financially while pursuing my habit. I have four children, and my husband has a disability. Therefore, I see this business as an opportunity for me to spend more time with my family and take more care of my husband.
TRACK: In Mauritania, women are less likely to work in the street; however, cultural belief didn’t hold Takiya from supporting herself and her family.
ACT: Takiya: I Wake-up at 6 AM every day, and I prepare breakfast for my family and food truck. I cook fresh bagels, croissants, and bread. In Mauritania, French bread is an essential piece of breakfast. I then drive my food tuck to Avenue Abdel Nasir where I sell fresh breakfast with traditional Mauritanian tea. At 11 AM, I start preparing for lunch in my truck. I cook chicken, meat, and falafel sandwiches. I also cook rice because it’s a typical meal with chicken here and serve them with soda or juice around 12:30 PM.
TRACK: Unemployment will continue to be a severe economic issue for a while; however, employees can be creative and see it as an opportunity to start their businesses. For Baruch College, I’m Fatimetou Vall.