A new report by British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, has highlighted the ongoing modernization of Berbera Port as a strategic project with significant and wide-ranging economic potential.
The report underscores that the port’s expansion, led by global logistics leader DP World, exemplifies how investment in critical port infrastructure within emerging markets can unlock new commercial opportunities, drive down transportation costs, and catalyze broader economic growth.
BII’s analysis emphasized the critical importance of partnering with experienced international operators. It also pointed to the synergistic value of integrating the port with other major developments, notably the Berbera Economic Zone (BEZ).
In conclusion, the report argues that the true benefits of the Berbera Port project extend far beyond its core function as a maritime gateway. It is attributed with a deeper strategic importance, positioning it as a future cornerstone for economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development in Somaliland and the wider Horn of Africa region.
Hargeisa – A conference to analyze the obstacles preventing the Somaliland government from implementing the National Disability Commission was held today at the Hargeisa office of the national organization AWVO (Al-kownin Women Voluntary Organization).
Attended by scholars, persons with disabilities, legal experts, and civil society representatives, the meeting focused on the rights of persons with disabilities, the critical importance of establishing the Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the challenges currently faced by the disabled community.
Following extensive discussion, participants recommended consulting the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Family (MESAF). The goal is to reinstate the legislative proposal for establishing the disability rights committee, a draft law reportedly abolished recently by the Ministry. This effort is proposed in collaboration with the Somaliland Disabled People’s Federation (SNDF).
The conference further proposed that if the Ministry refuses to revive the draft law, the following constitutional steps should be taken:
Submitting a petition signed by 5,000 citizens to the Somaliland House of Representatives.
Convincing 11 members of the House to formally submit the draft law for establishing the committee, enabling its formulation and implementation.
Experts at the conference emphasized that “ensuring the rights of people with disabilities depends on the establishment of a committee dedicated to their protection.”
To conclude, the meeting decided to appoint a follow-up committee of ten scholars to monitor progress on the agreed actions.
Hargeisa, Somaliland – In a major development for its energy sector, Somaliland has announced plans to commence oil well drilling in early 2027, with the possibility of some operations beginning as early as 2026.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Energy and Minerals, Honorable Ahmed Jama Barre, who cited ongoing logistical preparations as a cause for optimism. “There is great hope that the drilling of Somaliland’s oil wells will begin at the start of 2027, and some may even start earlier during 2026,” Minister Barre stated. “Exploration companies have now awarded contracts to bring rigs and essential equipment into the country.”
This move follows years of geological assessment indicating strong hydrocarbon potential, with onshore basins bearing similarities to productive structures in neighboring Yemen. Major international interests are already positioned in the region, including UK-based Genel Energy, the operator of the promising SL10B/13 block in partnership with Taiwan’s CPC Corporation.
Recent updates from various partnerships suggest accelerating timelines. Collaborative projects between Taiwanese and Somaliland entities are specifically targeting a 2026 start for drilling in certain blocks, aligning with the government’s push to expedite development.
The minister’s statement underscores a concerted effort to attract investment into Somaliland’s largely untapped basins, which are estimated to hold prospective resources amounting to billions of barrels.
A successful transition to oil production could prove transformative for Somaliland’s economy, which has historically relied on sectors like livestock exports. It is also anticipated to spur significant infrastructure development, particularly around key areas such as the port of Berbera.
Officials note that concurrent negotiations with international partners are focused on ensuring operational security, adherence to environmental standards, and securing equitable benefits for local communities. This planned drilling initiative marks a pivotal step in Somaliland’s broader strategy for economic growth and energy sector partnerships.
In a landmark moment for the Somaliland-American community, Boston stepped into the spotlight this month as the Somaliland Professionals Association of America (SLPA) hosted its 5th Regional Event – the first gathering of its kind in the city since the early 1990s.
Over 70 members, community leaders, and supporters converged from across New England, with attendees traveling from Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and even students from Vermont.
The event underscored the power of intentional community building, drawing professionals from diverse fields like healthcare, law, architecture, engineering, and accounting. Notably, participants hailed from prestigious institutions including Harvard, MIT, Yale, Middlebury, Dartmouth, Tufts, Cornell, and Columbia – serving as beacons of inspiration for younger members pursuing academic and career excellence.
The day began with welcoming remarks from host Fahima Ali, followed by a moving Qur’an recitation by Sheikh Abdiqadir, Imam of the Islamic Society of Boston (ISB), New England’s largest mosque. Long-standing leaders from Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut shared poignant reflections on leadership, service, and passing the torch to the next generation.
Highlights included inspiring talks from rising stars: Sahra Jama, an Abaarso School alumna and Brandeis graduate, who spoke on resilience, faith, and personal growth; and Abshir Sudi, a Middlebury graduate and founder of AHDI Promise – a Boston-based nonprofit advancing education in Somaliland since 2019.
A standout moment was the presentation of the Achievement Award for Boston Community Impact, Leadership, and Education to Mubarak, an early SLPA member, Abaarso alumnus, and MIT graduate – recognizing his trailblazing contributions. Abaarso School of Science and Technology in Somaliland, alma mater to many event honorees and speakers.
The keynote address came from Dr. Jamal Ali Hussein, a former Citigroup Managing Director with an MBA from Harvard and a PhD from Johns Hopkins. He delivered powerful insights on building legacy, personal development, and sustained collective action for Somaliland’s progress and local diaspora communities.
The event concluded with a shared meal from Nubian Markets and extended networking at Luzuri Turkish Café, fostering deeper connections.SLPA, a growing network of Somaliland-connected professionals in the U.S., continues to bridge diaspora talents with opportunities back home.
Organizers expressed profound gratitude to local volunteers for orchestrating this impactful reunion, reigniting a sense of unity and purpose that hadn’t been felt in Boston for over three decades.kaaltv.com
As one attendee noted, “This wasn’t just an event – it was a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.” For the Somaliland diaspora in New England, Boston has truly made history once again.
Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Somaliland Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (SIDIA) has celebrated a national milestone with the graduation of its inaugural class of diplomats, the first cohort to complete an intensive, five-month professional training program conducted entirely within the country.
The ceremony in the capital, Hargeisa, culminated a rigorous course led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Abdirahman Dahir Aden Bakaal, and Director General Mohamed Abdirahman Hassan. The event was attended by SIDIA Director Dr. Madar Abdi and the program’s concluding instructor, Dr. Brook.
This achievement represents a significant advancement in Somaliland’s institutional capacity, establishing for the first time a systematic, in-country pipeline for training diplomatic personnel to serve national interests.
In his address, Director General Mohamed charged the graduates with upholding the highest standards of dedication and integrity. “Your training has equipped you to be essential contributors to realizing Somaliland’s foreign policy objectives,” he stated.
The program underscores the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ strategic commitment to professionalizing its diplomatic corps and strengthening Somaliland’s engagement on the international stage.
Officials have hailed the graduation as a historic stride toward greater self-sufficiency in diplomatic education and a new chapter in the region’s professional development.
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro underscored the fact that the nation of Somaliland is a credible, reliable, trustworthy and dependable country as far as international investments, commercial partnership or associated collaborations are concerned.
The Head of State expressed the sentiments as he on Monday officially inaugurated the Somaliland Minerals Expo 2025 at the Mansoor Hotel. The exhibition is scheduled to run for two days.
The Somaliland Minerals Expo, the first event of its kind to be held in the country, was organized to international standards by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, in collaboration with mineral resource companies and key stakeholders.
The primary objective of the expo is to professionally showcase Somaliland’s diverse mineral resources and natural wealth to both international investors and local citizens, highlighting the country’s untapped potential in the mining sector.
In a keynote address at the opening ceremony, President Abdirahman Irro expressed his gratitude and appreciation to senior officials and staff of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, as well as the countries, companies, and individuals who contributed to the successful organization of the exhibition.
The President pointed out that Somaliland is a trustworthy destination for all forms of investment, including partnerships, joint ventures, financing, and broader international commercial engagement. He emphasized that the country has in place the necessary laws, policies, regulatory frameworks, and administrative systems that enable investors to operate smoothly and with confidence.
He stated that the economic agenda of the ‘Unity and Delivery’ administration government prioritizes the responsible and transparent development of Somaliland’s natural resources, with the aim of ensuring that resource utilization contributes to stability, sustainable development, and shared prosperity, while safeguarding the environment and long-term social and economic balance.
The event also featured speeches from the Chairman of the Waddani Party, Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, the Minister of Investment, Hon. Said Mohamed Buraale, the Minister of Energy and Minerals, Hon. Ahmed Jama Barre. And the Director General of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Dr. Shu’ayb Osman Mohamoud,
In addition, international experts attending both in person and via virtual video link shared insights on global mining trends and investment opportunities.
President Abdirahman Irro further highlighted that Somaliland’s stability, democratic governance system, internal and border security, and judicial framework are all aligned with international standards, providing strong assurance to global investors.
He reaffirmed to the international investment community that Somaliland is a reliable and credible partner, fully prepared to engage in fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial development of its rich natural resources.
Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Somaliland Minerals Exhibition and Conference commenced today in the capital, marking a strategic push to present the region’s untapped mineral resources to the global investment community.
Inaugurating the event, Mr. Shu’eyb Osman Mohamed, Director General of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, highlighted its significance in positioning Somaliland on the world stage. “This exhibition is pivotal for the Republic of Somaliland, as it showcases our resource wealth to international investors,” he stated.
The two-day forum is expected to catalyze key partnerships, with officials prepared to sign memorandums of understanding and formal agreements with international firms specializing in mineral development.
“During this exhibition, Somaliland will execute several memoranda of understanding and investment agreements for the development of our mineral sector,” Mr. Osman Mohamed announced to attendees.
The event has drawn a diverse array of global participants, including investors and corporate representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, and numerous other countries.
Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991, possesses significant mineral potential. Documented resources include gemstones such as emerald, ruby, sapphire, and garnet, alongside gold, iron ore, tin, lead, gypsum, marble, and various industrial minerals. The region also shows high promise for base metals, precious metals, and rare earth elements.
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has actively advocated for the sustainable exploration and management of these resources to fuel economic growth. This effort includes recent cooperation with international delegations, like a World Bank mission earlier this year focused on infrastructure and development projects.
The exhibition convenes amid increasing international interest in Somaliland’s mining sector, which remains largely underexplored despite geological prospects comparable to neighboring regions with established reserves.
Authorities express confidence that the event will accelerate foreign investment, drive job creation, and support broader infrastructure development within the minera
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved 76.37 million U.S. dollars in additional financing to support ongoing road infrastructure development in Somalia.
The funding for the Road Infrastructure Program in Somalia is part of the broader Horn of Africa corridor project, which seeks to strengthen links between Somalia, Ethiopia, and Djibouti and enhance the region’s capacity for trade and integration.
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“The program is designed to stimulate cross-border trade, strengthen regional integration, and reduce fragility within the region,” the AfDB said in a statement issued on Thursday.
“The new funding package comprises 49.16 million dollars from the African Development Fund, the AfDB’s concessional lending window, and 27.21 million dollars from the Transition Support Facility, which provides financing and support to African countries experiencing fragility and conflict.
The program will facilitate cross-border trade, strengthen support for small traders, and enhance institutional capacities in customs and trade management.
“Key interventions include establishing a simplified trade regime between Somalia and Ethiopia for small-scale operators and expanding Somalia’s automated customs system to streamline and modernize customs procedures,” the lender said.
Mike Salawou, the bank group’s director of infrastructure and urban development, said the request for additional financing stems from an expansion of the project’s initial scope.
“The program has evolved from minimal interventions to full road upgrades, enabled by improved designs and the integration of new components, including bridges, additional road sections, and trade facilitation measures, as well as social infrastructure to maximize benefits for the local community,” Salawou said.
Hargeisa – In a notable diplomatic overture, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro received a high-level French delegation led by Mr. Romain Joly, Deputy Ambassador of France to Kenya, at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa. This visit, the largest official French delegation to Somaliland to date, is widely seen as a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties.
The delegation, which included prominent international archaeologist Dr. Xavier Gutherz, held comprehensive discussions on enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors, including diplomacy, trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange.
President Irro welcomed the delegation and reiterated Somaliland’s commitment to building substantive partnerships. He pointed to the region’s sustained peace, political stability, and democratic governance as foundational strengths for collaboration.
A key focus of the meeting was the French-funded “Protection and Promotion of Somaliland’s Cultural and Archaeological Heritage” project. President Irro gave his full endorsement to the initiative, which prioritizes the conservation of premier historical sites such as the ancient Laas Geel cave paintings. In acknowledgment of his dedicated work, Dr. Gutherz was presented with an Honorary Certificate by the President.
President Irro further detailed the broad opportunities for engagement in Somaliland, encouraging expanded French collaboration in trade, investment, and education.
On behalf of France, Mr. Joly thanked Somaliland for its hospitality and affirmed France’s interest in deepening relations. He commended Somaliland’s contribution to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
The talks ended with a shared resolve to foster sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation. This development occurs within the wider context of Somaliland’s quest for international recognition, and the visit has prompted mixed reactions online—from optimism regarding economic potential to scrutiny of its diplomatic implications.
As Somaliland continues to advance its engagement with the international community, this meeting may mark a pivotal moment in cultivating stronger French ties, particularly in the realms of cultural preservation and regional stability.
Hargeisa – The Republic of Somaliland and the Government of France have officially launched the commencement of the ‘Somaliland Heritage Conservation and Development’ project.
During a ceremony held in Hargeisa, the Minister of Trade and Tourism, Mr. Abdirahman Hassan Nur, and the Deputy Ambassador of France based in Nairobi, Mr. Romain JOLY, announced the implementation of this extensive initiative, which is backed by funding of two million US dollars. Key focus areas of the project will include creating financial opportunities, particularly through tourism, to generate sustainable revenue for the development and maintenance of heritage sites; enhancing the capacity and expertise of institutions tasked with managing culture and heritage; and preserving historical locations, most notably the Laas Geel cave paintings.
France is providing these funds through the French Development Agency (AFD), and the project will be jointly implemented by Expertise France and Somaliland’s Ministry of Trade and Tourism.
The ceremony was also attended by the Presidential Strategic Advisor of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Kamal Marjan, and the largest single delegation of permanent French government officials ever to visit Somaliland. Attendees included the AFD Director for East Africa, Ms. Aïssatou Kumagangue; the French Business Representative to Somaliland, Mr. Mohamed Sahardiid; Professor Xavier Gutherz, the pioneering researcher who first introduced the Laas Geel cave paintings to the world in 2002; and numerous other officials from the fields of development, heritage, tourism, and archaeology.
Somaliland is home to numerous sites of profound hidden heritage and ancient history that are of global significance. These include artifacts and traces of human activity tens of thousands of years old, as well as historical towns.
Since 2002, the French government has supported the Republic of Somaliland with programs for UNESCO World Heritage education related to the ancient heritage passed down by the people who inhabited this land millennia ago.
The Deputy Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and the strong cooperation the project has received from the Government of the Republic of Somaliland. Minister Abdirahman Hassan Nur, in turn, extended special thanks to the French government. He expressed hope that this project would serve as a cornerstone for a lasting partnership between the two nations, enabling Somaliland to benefit from France’s expertise in managing and developing cultural heritage and ancient artifacts, and from efforts to promote global awareness that can generate economic opportunities.
