Day 1 Highlights from Somalia’s Agri-Value Chain Investment Conference
On October 1, 2023, Somalia opened its First International Conference on Agri-Value Chain Investment in Mogadishu. The event brought together international investors, government officials, and experts focused on agriculture.
Day 1 offered a look into Somalia’s agriculture potential. The main focus was on how investment could boost the sector and benefit both Somalia and international investors.
Reasons to Invest in Somalia’s Agriculture
Somalia has significant resources in agriculture. The country has fertile land, access to major markets, and a favorable climate for crops like:
- Maize
- Sorghum
- Sesame
- Bananas
Somalia’s location along the Indian Ocean connects it to Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This means easy access to international markets.
Investment in Somalia’s agriculture infrastructure—such as processing facilities, storage, and transport—can create new revenue streams. For you as an investor, this could mean direct access to growing markets and opportunities to build sustainable business.
The National Transformation Plan
The National Transformation Plan is Somalia’s roadmap for growth. It includes infrastructure improvements and incentives for private-sector investment.
Somalia recently joined the East African Community (EAC) and is working toward World Trade Organization (WTO) membership. These steps reduce barriers and create a friendlier business environment.
Somalia has also passed the Investors and Investments Protection Law. This law provides security for foreign and domestic investors, ensuring transparent and fair business practices.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are part of Somalia’s strategy for agricultural growth. Somalia’s government supports joint ventures that allow local businesses to work with international firms.
These partnerships give you the chance to bring technology, capital, and expertise to Somalia’s agriculture sector. Local partners offer insight into the market and access to a young, motivated workforce.
Somalia’s emphasis on PPPs could create a solid base for competitive and profitable agriculture.
Value-Added Processing: A Key Opportunity
Day 1 also focused on value-added processing in agriculture. Somalia wants to move beyond raw exports to processed agricultural products.
Take sesame, a top export. Investing in local processing can produce sesame oil and other products. This boosts the product’s value and opens access to higher-paying markets.
Value-added processing creates jobs and supports the local economy while increasing your return on investment.
Building Connections: Networking and B2B Meetings
Day 1 featured networking sessions, exhibitions, and business-to-business (B2B) meetings. These activities connected Somali businesses with potential international partners.
The exhibition hall showcased products and services from Somali and international companies. B2B meetings provided a space for direct conversations on partnership and investment.
If you are looking for a chance to learn more about Somalia’s agri-sector, these sessions offer insights and practical information on how to engage with the market.
Day 1 Takeaways
- Somalia’s agriculture sector offers opportunities in crops like maize, sorghum, sesame, and bananas
- The National Transformation Plan provides infrastructure support and a friendly business environment
- Legal protections, including the Investors and Investments Protection Law, create stability for investors
- Public-Private Partnerships offer ways for international firms to work with local businesses
- Value-added processing—such as sesame oil production—can provide higher profits and sustainable growth
- Networking and B2B sessions are critical for building relationships with Somali businesses
Reflection for Investors
Day 1 of Somalia’s Agri-Value Chain Conference highlighted the country’s commitment to building a sustainable agriculture sector. The message was clear: Somalia is ready for investment and collaboration.
If you are exploring new markets, Somalia’s agriculture sector provides opportunities with long-term potential.
Are you ready to explore Somalia’s market?