On October 1-2, 2023, Somalia hosted its first International Conference on Agri-Value Chain Investment in Mogadishu. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud opened the conference with a direct invitation to international investors. He outlined Somalia’s vision to grow its agriculture sector. This was a clear message: Somalia is open for business and looking for partners.
President Mohamud acknowledged Somalia’s past but focused on the future. He described this event as a turning point. Somalia, with support from the European Union and the Ministry of Agriculture, is building a new path. The country wants to move beyond resilience. The goal now is growth and opportunity.
Somalia has fertile land and a strategic location. The country can grow and export a wide range of crops:
The coastal location connects Somalia to markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This makes Somalia a natural hub for agricultural exports. With investment in farming, storage, and transport, Somalia can increase its agricultural output.
For investors, this means opportunities to reach new markets quickly.
The National Transformation Plan aims to improve infrastructure, attract private investors, and encourage innovation. The government is focused on creating the right environment for business.
Recent debt relief and Somalia’s membership in the East African Community (EAC) open new trade opportunities. This plan supports the government’s vision for an investor-friendly market. It also connects Somalia to the larger regional economy.
One example is sesame, already one of Somalia’s top exports. With better irrigation and farming practices, sesame production could increase. This would create profits for farmers and investors alike.
President Mohamud highlighted Somalia’s Investors and Investments Protection Law. This law protects both foreign and local investments. It ensures transparency and security for investors. The government is also working to improve infrastructure and security. Somalia’s progress toward World Trade Organization (WTO) membership could simplify trade even further.
These steps show Somalia’s commitment to a stable business environment.
The government supports Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). These partnerships encourage joint ventures with foreign companies. They bring investment, new skills, and job opportunities. PPPs allow Somalia to build local businesses and increase agricultural productivity.
The aim is a profitable agricultural sector that benefits both Somalia and its partners.
Somalia’s coastal location makes it an ideal export hub. The country’s ports—Mogadishu, Kismayo, and Berbera—connect directly to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. With over 3,300 kilometers of coastline along key shipping routes, Somalia offers direct access to these global markets. This gives agribusinesses an efficient way to expand their reach.
Somalia has a young population. More than 70% are under the age of 30. President Mohamud sees this as a resource for the agricultural sector. The government is committed to training young people in modern farming techniques. This supports a skilled workforce that can drive growth in agriculture.
President Mohamud closed his address with a clear invitation. Somalia is looking for partners who see the potential in the country’s resources and workforce. The government is ready to support your entry into the market and ensure a smooth process. For investors, this is a chance to play a role in Somalia’s development and access new markets.
Is your organization looking for growth opportunities? Somalia might be the answer.
For international investors, Somalia offers access to a promising market and a chance to support long-term growth.
