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Zambia Shines as Guest of Honor at Hargeysa International Book Fair 2025

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Zambia took center stage as the guest of honor at the 18th Hargeysa International Book Fair (HIBF), held from July 26 to 31, 2025, in Somaliland’s capital. The annual literary festival, the largest in the Horn of Africa, celebrated the theme “Africa,” spotlighting the continent’s rich literary and cultural heritage. Zambia’s delegation, featuring prominent artists and intellectuals Victor Mutelekesh, Victoria Phiri, Hannah Mwenzi, and Simuli Kipenda, captivated audiences with their powerful representation of the nation’s diversity and resilience.

In his keynote address, Victor Mutelekesh passionately spoke of Zambia’s unique identity, emphasizing the nation’s embrace of over 70 ethnic groups and nearly 75 languages under the unifying motto, “One Zambia, One Nation.” He highlighted Zambia’s historical role as a beacon of African unity, noting its early recognition of Somaliland’s independence and its support for liberation movements like the African National Congress (ANC). “Zambia’s independence in 1964 meant nothing if all Africans were not free,” Mutelekesh declared, underscoring the nation’s commitment to pan-African solidarity, a legacy shaped by founding president Kenneth Kaunda.

The Zambian delegation’s participation included vibrant panel discussions, poetry readings, and artistic performances that showcased the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Victoria Phiri, a celebrated author, explored themes of unity and identity in Zambian literature, while Hannah Mwenzi and Simuli Kipenda presented works that blended traditional and contemporary art forms, dispelling outdated notions that Zambia lacked a robust artistic heritage. Their contributions resonated with the festival’s goal of fostering literary exchange between Southern and Eastern Africa.

Zambia’s presence at HIBF also marked the nation’s 60th independence anniversary, celebrated in 2024, reflecting on its journey since breaking free from British colonial rule. The delegation highlighted Zambia’s artistic milestones, from Gabriel Ellison’s iconic national flag design to the intricate rock art of the Nyau secret society, showcasing a cultural legacy that continues to thrive.

The Hargeysa International Book Fair, organized by the Redsea Cultural Foundation, drew over 10,000 visitors and featured 100 cultural figures from across Africa. Zambia’s role as guest of honor reinforced its position as a cornerstone of African history and identity, fostering connections through shared stories and aspirations. As Mutelekesh noted, “Zambia is a nation built on multiplicity, seeing in others what we are made of—a fabric of diversity and resilience.”

The event not only celebrated Zambia’s contributions but also strengthened literary and cultural ties across the continent, with workshops and performances emphasizing the power of African voices in shaping a shared future.

Somaliland Celebrates 18 Years of Success: Hargeisa Book Fair Bridges Nation with the World

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa – The Hargeisa International Book Fair (HIBF) has become a beacon of knowledge, a hub for intellectual exchange, a platform nurturing talent, and a gathering point uniting hundreds from across the globe. It stands as a bridge connecting Somaliland with the wider world, showcasing diverse knowledge resources.

Held annually at the Hargeisa Cultural Centre, the Fair is organized by the Red Sea Cultural Foundation in partnership with the Centre. Now in its 18th consecutive year, HIBF is Africa’s largest International Book Fair and the continent’s premier gathering for literature and creativity.

Each year, the Fair features a Guest of Honour – a specific nation or country. This year’s continental theme is “Africa,” with the Republic of Zambia as the inaugural Guest of Honour Nation, sending a delegation to participate.

Building on the legacy of the past 17 years, which welcomed 17 African nations and themes, each carrying unique significance, the 18th edition features participants from 13 countries, including Djibouti, Ethiopia, and the Guest of Honour, Zambia.

The event was attended by officials from Somaliland’s government ministries, ministers, politicians, diplomats, authors, poets, artists, avid readers, and numerous other distinguished guests. A wide array of books, predominantly new releases, were exhibited, alongside visual arts, theatre, music, traditional games, cultural displays, and other knowledge and heritage-related content.

The Fair opened on July 26th and will run until August 31st, 2025. Over its six-day duration, an estimated 70,000 visitors are expected at the Hargeisa Cultural Centre.

The program features book exhibitions, academic seminars, cultural discussions, heritage research presentations, music, literature, visual arts, and related activities.

Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Culture, and National Guidance, Ahmed-Yassin Sheikh Ali Ayanle, officially inaugurated the Fair following remarks by other speakers.

Dr. Jama Musse Jama, Chairman of the Red Sea Cultural Foundation and Founder of the Hargeisa Cultural Centre, outlined the 18th edition, noting participation from 13 countries. He highlighted the Fair’s developmental stages and its significant contribution to the people of Somaliland and Africa broadly. Dr. Jama emphasized the remarkable rise in literacy and writing levels within the community over the Fair’s 18-year history.

Dr. Jama expressed gratitude to all delegations, officials, leaders, sponsors, participating guests, the media, the Centre’s staff, and special friends of the Foundation.

The Mayor of Hargeisa, Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge, Dr. Edna Adan Ismail, representatives of the participating delegations, and the spokesperson for the Guest of Honour nation, Zambia, also addressed the opening. All welcomed the Hargeisa International Book Fair, describing it as immensely important for African communities and the largest event of its kind held in any African nation.

Minister Ahmed-Yassin Sheikh Ali Ayanle spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing the Fair’s vital importance for Somaliland and its people, noting how it has enhanced their writing and reading culture. He also stated that the Fair has introduced Somaliland to many people and nations worldwide. The Minister urged the Cultural Centre to continue its efforts in this regard.

Somaliland Minister of Information Calls for Unity and Clear Roles to Maintain Progress as opens 18th HIBF

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Traditional leaders should preserve our culture, religious leaders should guide our spiritual growth, and politicians must focus on governance, he says in perspective

In a passionate address, Somaliland’s Minister of Information Hon. Ahmed Yasin Sheik Ali Ayanle called for unity and defined roles to safeguard the nation’s progress, describing Somaliland as “a shining star emerging from the turbulent ocean of Africa.”

Speaking as he opened the 18th HIBF on Saturday, he emphasized the need to align individual expertise with national goals to avoid setbacks in the Republic’s development.

Reflecting on 65 years since Somaliland’s independence from British rule on June 26, 1960, Minister Yasin urged the nation to move beyond tribal divisions that once shaped its early governance before multi-partyism.

“We built Somaliland on the unity of its people, not on tribalism,” he said, stressing that clinging to outdated clan-based systems could hinder progress.

He pointed out that, “Our goal was never to remain divided but to build a united nation.”

Highlighting Africa’s potential as a continent with the world’s youngest population and abundant resources, Hon. Yasin expressed optimism about Somaliland’s future. “The days of Africa are coming,” he declared, emphasizing that Somaliland must seize its opportunities while remaining vigilant against the region’s instability.

The minister called for clear delineation of roles to strengthen nationhood.

“Traditional leaders should preserve our culture, religious leaders should guide our spiritual growth, and politicians must focus on governance,” he said, warning that overlapping roles could weaken Somaliland’s unity.

He also underscored the parliament’s role in representing the members of the public and national interests, urging for constructive criticism to foster progress rather than division.

Hon. Yasin concluded by rallying Somalilanders to place “everyone and everything in their rightful place” to overcome challenges and maintain the nation’s trajectory as a beacon of stability in a turbulent region.

“If we align our efforts, we will rise above regression,” he stated affirmingly.

Somaliland: VP Warns State CEOs, Finance Heads: Zero Tolerance for Corruption, Embezzlement

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Vice President H.E. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi has issued a stern warning against pilfering and embezzling state funds, declaring the government’s unwavering stance on combating corruption.

The VP delivered the message while opening a workshop organized by the Office of the Auditor General. The event brought together Directors General and Administration & Finance Directors from all state institutions to strengthen collaboration with the Auditor General and enhance accountability, transparency, and audit systems across government.

“Directors General are the backbone of Ministries and must serve the nation efficiently,” VP Abdi stated. He underscored the administration’s commitment, declaring: “The President and I swore by the Holy Quran – we are serious and committed to fighting corruption and mismanagement. This must be known vividly.”

He issued a direct warning to attendees: “I tell the Directors General and the respective Administration & Finance Directors: you will be held strictly accountable for how you work for this nation.” Anyone found guilty of malpractice, he emphasized, will face consequences.

The workshop aims to improve working relations between state institutions and the Auditor General’s Office, reinforcing systems to safeguard public resources.

Can Somaliland’s Berbera Port anchor African trade security?

With a rise in investments, the port is emerging as a feasible alternative to current trading hubs in Africa such as Djibouti, experts say

By Thoraya Abdullahi

While Houthi attacks in the Red Sea pose a clear and present danger to the vital trade artery and the rising port congestion in the region throws another spanner in the works, Africa needs another trade hub. Could Somaliland’s port city of Berbera be the answer?

Analysts and officials see it as a feasible alternative to current trading hubs in Africa such as Djibouti, and say the port city is a buffer against regional and global supply chain disruptions.

Recent investments from the UK and the UAE’s DP World are reflective of that view. With mounting security concerns and congestion forcing longer docking waiting time in other regional ports, the flow of investments to Berbera is rising. DP World, one of the top global port operators in the world, alone has invested more than $400 million in Berbera’s expansion since 2017.

The port is located near the Bab Al Mandeb strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is a choke point for global shipping. Nearly 10 per cent of global trade, including a significant share of oil and container traffic between Europe and Asia, passes through this corridor

The significance of this part of the region cannot be understated, as it accounts for up to 12 per cent of global oil transported by sea, according to data from the International Chamber of Shipping.

However, Berbera currently accounts for only about 0.06 per cent of global container traffic, so it has handling capacity to offer more to shipping lines, the engine of global trade.

Ethiopia’s new trade lifeline

With the rise in investments, Berbera has started to relieve some pressure in the strait. It has also given landlocked Ethiopia a second maritime gateway, reducing its dependence on Djibouti and providing the country with an alternative trade route to skirt disruptions in the Red Sea.

Last year, Somaliland signed an agreement to lease a 20km stretch of coastline to its neighbour, a move that caused a diplomatic row and prompted Somalia to summon the Ethiopian ambassador in protest. Somaliland, which reclaimed it’s independence from Somalia in 1991.

“The vision of the Somaliland government and DP World is to make Berbera a regional marine trade and industrial hub,” Supachai Wattanaveerachai, chief executive for DP World’s Horn of Africa operations, told a Somaliland-UAE investment conference in June.

“We know Ethiopians need multiple gateways to connect to world trade and for us, with Somaliland, we need to provide services.”

Ethiopia currently relies on Djibouti for about 90 per cent of its maritime trade, paying more than $1.5 billion a year in port and transit fees alone.

Berbera could slash this cost by up to 30 per cent, according to analysts.

Dean Mikkelsen, an independent maritime and logistics analyst, said Berbera is “increasingly seen as a viable option to Djibouti, particularly amid the instability” in the Red Sea.

“Its position near Bab Al Mandeb enables direct access to one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors, while remaining just out of the immediate range of Houthi attacks,” he told The National.

With its structural challenges, expensive pricing and geopolitical concentration Berbera is a better option than Djibouti in terms of trade resilience, “even with Somaliland’s uncertain political status”, Mr Mikkelsen said.

“Djibouti’s geopolitical congestion is a result of the fact that many foreign countries operate military bases from the US, China, France, Japan, Italy and Saudi Arabia and that it is located near conflict-scarred areas such as Yemen – a complex geopolitical environment that can impede the safe flow of goods and add operational risk.

Djibouti, he said, still matters, but it certainly suffers from crowding. The country’s overdependence on Chinese debt to fuel growth also makes it vulnerable to sudden shifts in economic fortunes, he explained.

“Berbera’s growth under DP World has brought new deepwater berths and better container capacity, offering shippers a credible alternative that reduces exposure to geopolitical risks. Ironically, it is Djibouti’s own limits that are pushing the change along.”

Rise in western backing and security concerns

Somaliland is also deepening its strategic defence co-operation with the US, which bodes well for its prospects of growth.

“This includes collaborations with US Africa Command to enhance security in the vital shipping lanes of the Gulf of Aden,” Mr Mikkelsen said.

“Somaliland has publicly offered to host an American military base, reinforcing its position as a stable and co-operative partner in the region.”

Quoting data from British International Investment Projects, he said by 2035, the Port of Berbera will enable trade equivalent to about 27 per cent of Somaliland’s gross domestic product and 8 per cent of Ethiopia’s GDP.

The development of Berbera port is becoming “increasingly important” in the regional trade perspective, Saeed Al Zari, group vice president for government affairs at DP World, told The National.

DP World is already working on bringing new infrastructure to Somaliland, including edible oil tanks in Berbera, a move that has led to the opening of the International Finance and Food Company’s edible oil plant and the soon-to-be-launched Essa Al Ghurair plant, he said.

The future plans aim to improve “the quality of edible oil available in the nation, reducing the price of this essential commodity and now supplying both Ethiopia and Puntland”, he said.

A rise with limits

However, Berbera’s emergence is not without limits. Somaliland’s lack of international recognition presents legal ambiguity and curbs access to funding. But investors appear to be warming to the region.

“A big investment has already been made in Somaliland,” said Abdirahman Hassan Nur, Somaliland’s Minister of Trade and Tourism. “DP World is an example. I believe many other investors are already in the pipeline.”

Mr Wattanaveerachai said that when DP World took over the port, it could handle less than 100,000, but the capacity has risen to 500,000.

“Today, we have transformed the Berbera port, not just in capacity but in efficiency. All run by locals – Somaliland people,” he said.

The vision of Somaliland is to develop Berbera as a hub of economic development where companies can open offices without being physically located in Berbera, he added.

The UAE-Somaliland investment conference in June brought together regional stakeholders including Dubai Chambers and Al Marzooqi Group of Companies. The aim was to attract more investment and highlight Berbera’s potential.

“Despite the lack of international recognition, Somaliland has demonstrated the ability to manage critical infrastructure and ensure a level of operational stability. The Somaliland Port Authority, as the governing authority of Somaliland ports, manages the interaction with the security forces responsible for security in Berbera,” Mr Al Zari said.

“Berbera is revolutionising the logistics network in the Horn of Africa and reducing the cost of importation for some of the poorest people in the world.”

Analysts urge caution

Carl Sykes, group managing director of Neptune P2P Group, however, cautioned against hopes of Berbera attaining total regional dominance.

“Berbera port is emerging as a viable alternative to Djibouti, but it remains modest in scale at under 500,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit annually, compared to Djibouti’s multimillion-TEU capacity,” he told The National.

“While Berbera has made impressive gains in efficiency and cargo growth, it lacks the regional security guarantees enjoyed by Djibouti, which is protected by multiple international military bases.”

He said Berbera had the potential to serve as a modest buffer in regional supply chains but said its affect on global supply chain shocks was “likely to remain limited given its relatively small scale, emerging infrastructure and geopolitical sensitivities”.

Mr Mikkelsen, however, argued that the second phase of Berbera Port’s expansion will begin once 75 per cent of current capacity is utilised, with plans to boost throughput to 2 million TEUs annually, following DP World’s completion of the first phase that increased capacity to 500,000 TEUs.

“Djibouti’s restraints are forcing the push for alternatives. Berbera’s location and continual improvements are meeting this need,” he said.

“At a time when supply chain resilience is a global imperative, Berbera is well-placed to be a powerful trade facilitator between Africa and the Middle East.”

In addition, international recognition of the region or a stable deal with Somalia would allow Berbera to realise its full potential as a central hub for regional trade, he said

Hargeisa International Book Fair 2025: Louise Hancock Praises Resilience, Celebrates Culture Beyond Books

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This week is more than books; it’s about culture, history, arts, theatre, music, and poetry,” says UK Hargeisa Office Head Louise Hancock at the launch of the 18th Hargeisa International Book Fair.

The 18th Hargeisa International Book Fair (HIBF), the longest-running and largest literary festival in the Horn of Africa, was officially launched on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Somaliland’s capital.

The event, which runs from July 26 to 31, welcomed a diverse gathering of authors, poets, artists, and cultural figures from across Africa and beyond, with Zambia as this year’s guest of honor. The theme for 2025, “Africa,” underscores the richness and diversity of the continent’s contemporary and historical literature.

Louise Hancock, Head of the UK Office in Hargeisa, attended the launch, expressing her delight in representing the British Office at the event.

A literature graduate herself, Hancock highlighted the profound role books play in shaping perspectives and understanding the world. “Books have been a real part of my life,” she remarked, emphasizing their significance in fostering cultural connections.

In her speech, Hancock praised the HIBF for its resilience and its broader cultural impact. “This week is more than books; it’s about culture, history, arts, theatre, music, and poetry,” she said.

“I want to thank the organizers for their commitment and resilience in making this event a vibrant celebration of African creativity.”

Her words underscored the festival’s role as a platform for not only literature but also a wide array of artistic expressions, including public readings, panel discussions, poetry workshops, and performances.

The HIBF, organized by the Redsea Online Culture Foundation since its inception in 2008, has grown into a cornerstone of cultural exchange in the Horn of Africa region. This year’s program features over 100 cultural figures and expects more than 10,000 visitors.

Activities include book launches, poetry recitals, discussions on freedom of expression, and exhibitions by illustrators, alongside performances of traditional and contemporary Somali arts.

The festival also continues its mission to promote reading, writing, and the preservation of Somali oral traditions, with events extending to Berbera and Gebiley.

Hancock’s remarks highlighted the HIBF’s enduring legacy as a beacon of cultural resilience, particularly in a region marked by historical challenges.

The festival’s ability to bring together global and local voices in a celebration of creativity continues to solidify Hargeisa’s reputation as a cultural hub in the Horn of Africa.

Hargeysa International Book Fair 2025: Edna Adan Highlights Somaliland’s Independence Legacy

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At the ongoing Hargeysa International Book Fair (HIBF) 2025, Edna Adan Ismail, founder of Somaliland’s first maternity hospital, emphasized the nation’s historical independence.

Speaking on Saturday, she stated, “Our borders were not found by Hassan Sheikh; these borders are the same as the British left them.

Please let them know our country became the first Somali country to gain its independence.” Her remarks reflect Somaliland’s unique status as the first Somali territory to gain independence from Britain on June 26, 1960, before voluntarily uniting with Somalia, a move that later fueled its reclaiming of sovereignty 1991 and declaration of independence, still unrecognized internationally.

Somaliland is bigger than 18 African countries, we’re not returning and we’ll continue to running Somaliland as we did for the past 34 years. -stated Edna Adan

“Our country is terror-free and arms smugglers and we are not a failed state. Please enjoy the book fair, enjoy the beauty of Somaliland and welcome.”

Adan’s hospital, built in 2002, has reduced maternal mortality by 75%, according to a 2010 University of Hargeisa study. #HIBF2025 #Somaliland

Somaliland Deputy Agriculture Minister Spotlights School Feeding Programme During Kenya Visit

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Nairobi, Kenya – Somaliland’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Mukhtar Haji Muhumed Farah, concluded his working visit to Nairobi with a meeting at the Somaliland Representative Office in Kenya, hosted by Ambassador Sharma’arke Geelle.

The visit centered on advancing the Home Grown School Feeding initiative – a collaborative effort between Somaliland’s Ministries of Agriculture and Education, implemented by CARE International.

Deputy Minister Mukhtar emphasized the programme’s strategic importance for Somaliland, outlining:
– Its critical role in addressing **community nutrition needs,
– Tangible benefits for child development and education,
– The Agriculture Ministry’s pivotal contribution to sustainable implementation.

The delegation also conducted field assessments at schools operationalizing the programme, evaluating impact and management frameworks.

Somaliland Highlights Untapped Investment Sectors for Saudi Delegation

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa – Somaliland’s Minister of Investment and Industrial Development, Mr. Said Mohamed Buraale, today hosted a Saudi investment delegation at his office.

During the meeting, Minister Buraale outlined diverse investment opportunities across Somaliland, with special emphasis on untapped sectors within the country’s natural resource potential. He further detailed the government’s proactive role in facilitating both domestic and foreign investment.

The Saudi delegation expressed strong enthusiasm for the presented opportunities, stating their visit aimed to explore viable investment prospects through direct engagement with Somaliland’s economic landscape.

President Lai’s Remarks Emphasize Strategic Taiwan-Somaliland Alliance with signing of Coast Guard Agreement

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By Goth Mohamed Goth

On Thursday, July 24,  2025, Taiwan’s President H.E. Lai Ching-te welcomed Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Hon. Abdirahman Dahir Adam to Taipei, where the two nations solidified a groundbreaking coast guard cooperation agreement.

The signing ceremony at the Presidential Office included high-level discussions and underscored the growing partnership between these two unrecognized democracies. Leaders were seen together, flanked by Taiwanese and Somaliland flags, reinforcing their shared commitment.

Strategic Partnership for the Blue Economy

The agreement prioritizes maritime security and the advancement of the “blue economy,” capitalizing on Somaliland’s 850 km coastline—rich in untapped mineral and fishing resources—for sustainable economic development.

According to a 2016 OECD report, the global blue economy could contribute $1.5 trillion to GDP by 2030—a target both nations seek to achieve.

Somaliland’s maritime area, extending 200 nautical miles offshore, holds the potential to yield over 200,000 metric tons of fish annually, stimulating job creation and trade.

Taiwan brings technological expertise and trade opportunities in sectors like agriculture and infrastructure, while Somaliland’s strategic location in the Gulf of Aden positions it as a potential shipping and logistics hub.

Geopolitical Context and Shared Values

The partnership, founded on shared democratic values, builds upon the mutual recognition of representative offices in Taipei and Hargeisa established in 2020, treated similarly to diplomatic missions under the Vienna Convention. This alliance counters China’s regional influence and aligns with the U.S. TAIPEI Act of 2019, which promotes Taiwan’s global partnerships and reinforces support for democracy against authoritarian pressures.

Economic Potential and Future Opportunities

For Somaliland, which aspires to be Africa’s 55th state, this partnership unlocks significant economic opportunities through its marine resources and strategic positioning. Taiwan’s maritime expertise provides a pathway to sustainable growth, enabling both nations to reap the benefits of the blue economy.

President Lai highlighted the robustness of this alliance, stating that the coast guard agreement heralds a new era of collaboration focused on stability and prosperity.