By Zamzam Daqare - Reporter
Somalia, 26 May 2026 – The European Union is seeking to expand its partnership with Somalia beyond development aid by strengthening trade, investment and private sector cooperation, EU Ambassador to Somalia Francesca Di Mauro has said.
Speaking to Dawan, Ambassador Di Mauro said the EU remains a major development partner for Somalia, but also wants to advance a stronger economic and trade agenda.
She said Somalia’s strategic location near the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, its long coastline, fisheries potential, renewable energy resources and young population make the country attractive for future investment.
“It is true we are like the first development aid provider,” she said, while adding that the EU also recognises Somalia’s “very geostrategic position.”
The ambassador said trade between Somalia and the EU currently stands at around $160 million, but argued that it could expand significantly. She noted that Somali goods can enter the European Union duty-free and quota-free, creating opportunities for Somali producers and exporters.
She said the EU’s Global Gateway agenda, a strategic investment initiative for Africa, is already supporting infrastructure, roads, renewable energy, agribusiness, digital development and value-chain growth in Somalia.
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Ambassador Di Mauro said the EU wants Somalia not only to export raw materials, but also to develop value chains within the country so products can gain greater value and generate more jobs.
She also highlighted EU support for small and medium-sized enterprises, fisheries, trade facilitation, private sector dialogue, education and skills development.
The ambassador described renewable energy as another major opportunity, pointing to Somalia’s potential in solar and wind power. She also cited Somali youth working in digital tools, apps and startups as an area where European technology and investment could contribute.
She said the EU plans to hold a business forum on October 5 and 6 focused on logistics, agribusiness and energy, with the aim of connecting European investors with Somalia’s private sector.
Di Mauro described Somali entrepreneurs as part of a “very vibrant” private sector, saying Somali businessmen and businesswomen are “among the best in the world.”
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