Hargeisa– August 2, 2025 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation officially inaugurated the Annual Somaliland Diaspora Week Grand Conference today at Guled Hotel in Hargeisa. The event brings together government officials, diaspora members, private sector leaders, and development partners from around the world and will run from August 2 to August 5, 2025.
The opening ceremony underscored the strategic role of the diaspora in Somaliland’s development, featuring remarks from senior government officials and international guests.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Mohamed Abdirahman, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the significance of structured diaspora engagement in national planning and policy development.
Ms. Ugbad Nasir, Head of the Diaspora Department, highlighted the achievements of the diaspora and the government’s commitment to establishing stronger mechanisms for coordinating diaspora investment, knowledge transfer, and youth involvement.
Hon. Abdirahman Dahir Adam, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, praised the diaspora’s dedication and reaffirmed the government’s efforts to cultivate sustainable partnerships that support critical sectors including education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
The Mayors from all regions of Somaliland participated in the conference. The Mayor of Hargeisa, Hon. Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge, recognized the substantial contributions of diaspora communities to municipal services and infrastructure development, urging further collaboration in urban planning and innovation.
A special highlight of the conference was the appearance of Dr. Edna Adan Ismail, a renowned public health advocate and former Foreign Minister, who urged diaspora communities to prioritize investments in maternal health, education, and institutional capacity building.
Additionally, delegations from six prominent diaspora representatives groups from Canada, associated with the Board of Building Nations and Unity, delivered a joint address that focused on reinforcing ties between Somaliland and international institutions. They announced plans to initiate new programs in youth development, education, and innovation, including the establishment of a partnership platform between Somaliland and Canadian educational and professional organizations.
A key feature of the event is the Diaspora Exhibition Pavilion, where diaspora-led companies, start-ups, and non-profit organizations showcased a diverse array of local products, services, and developmental initiatives operating in Somaliland. The exhibits included:
- Technology and digital learning platforms
- Renewable energy projects
- Health and nutrition products
- Women-led business initiatives
- Community-based training centers
Participants from various countries expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities for networking, sharing experiences, and exploring collaborations across different sectors.
The conference will continue over the next several days, featuring thematic panels and workshops that address critical issues such as sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and the role of technology in enhancing Somaliland’s economy. Notable speakers from academia, industry, and civil society are set to contribute their insights to enrich discussions and promote actionable strategies.
As the conference progresses, the government plans to announce new policies designed to boost the contributions of the diaspora to national development, focusing on investment and educational opportunities. This initiative aims to create an enabling environment where Somalilanders abroad can play an active role in shaping the future of their homeland.
Overall, the Annual Somaliland Diaspora Week Conference seeks to strengthen ties between Somaliland and its diaspora communities while fostering a collaborative approach to tackling shared challenges and seizing opportunities for growth. As the event unfolds, it is anticipated to yield pivotal outcomes that will steer sustainable development in Somaliland.
