Somalia, 4 October 2025 - Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today told U.S. business leaders that the country is ready for a new era of investment and trade, declaring Somalia “open for business” at the Somalia–U.S. Investment Forum in Mogadishu.
“Somalia is no longer a country defined by its past difficulties, but by its future possibilities. We have the vision, the reforms, and the human resources,” Hassan Sheikh said, urging American investors to seize what he described as “a frontier market.”
The President presented the National Transformation Plan (NTP) and Vision 2060 as Somalia’s long-term roadmaps for growth.
“Our National Transformation Plan and Vision 2060 are not just aspirations; they are practical frameworks that place private sector–led growth and international partnership at their center,” he stated.
He cited the completion of HIPC debt relief as a turning point, saying it restored fiscal credibility and opened access to global finance. “Building on this foundation, my government has enacted investment-friendly laws, including robust investor protection, simplified business registration, and transparent financial regulation,” he told delegates.
Highlighting Somalia’s 3,300 km coastline, fertile farmland, fisheries, livestock, renewable energy, and minerals, Hassan Sheikh said the country is uniquely positioned to be a trade hub.
“Somalia is uniquely positioned to become a hub of trade and investment. Our fertile farmland, fisheries, renewable energy, livestock, and untapped minerals all await sustainable investment,” he said, naming agriculture, energy, ICT, logistics, and infrastructure as priority sectors.
He pointed to Somalia’s membership in the East African Community (EAC) and progress toward World Trade Organization (WTO) accession: “These steps reinforce Somalia’s role as a gateway economy, anchoring trade flows within East Africa and linking them to global supply chains.”
The President underlined the role of U.S. business innovation in Somalia’s transformation.
“The U.S. private sector is globally known for its innovation, technology, and ability to identify opportunities where others see only challenges. We believe Somalia is precisely such a frontier market,” he said.
“We will facilitate your entry, safeguard your investments, and ensure that the returns you achieve are not only financial but also contribute to shared prosperity for our people,” he added.
Hassan Sheikh closed his speech with a direct appeal to global investors:
“The opportunity is here, and the time is now. Together, through trade and investment, we can turn Somalia’s potential into a reality of jobs, innovation, and growth.”