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Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro on Tuesday urged international investors to channel capital into the self-declared republic, telling a UAE–Africa summit that his government is committed to creating a business-friendly environment.
Irro said Somaliland is seeking investment in energy, electricity, maritime and blue economy industries, artificial intelligence, mining, and agriculture. He described the country as “a land of opportunity, an untapped market ready for investment.”
He pointed to existing partnerships as evidence of progress, citing Dubai-based DP World’s modernization of Berbera port,the creation of a free trade zone, and the construction of a corridor linking Berbera to Ethiopia. Irro praised the company for making what he called the largest foreign investment in Somaliland.
The president showcased his country’s investment potential at The Africa Debate – UAE 2025 in Dubai, telling investors that the Horn of Africa country offered stability, strategic location and access to fast-growing regional markets.
The conference brought together more than 500 investors, market leaders, and senior officials from government agencies, commercial banks, private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds, and multinational corporations. Delegates represented sectors including energy, technology, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, and logistics.
President Irro joined DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem for a session titled “Ports, Policy, and Possibility: Berbera and the New Gateway to East Africa.” The discussion focused on transforming Berbera Port into a regional trade hub and attracting long-term foreign investment to largely untapped African markets.
During his address, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro highlighted Somaliland’s political identity:
“I did not come from Somalia; I came from Somaliland. I am the only Somali president who has been democratically elected by his people.”
He then spoke about the country’s economic potential:
“Somaliland stands as your gateway to the Horn of Africa. Our strategic location, stability, and vibrant markets offer unmatched opportunities in trade, energy, ports, logistics, technology, agriculture, the Blue Economy, and finance.”
Finally, Irro extended a direct invitation to investors:
“We are a liberal, open nation, committed to transparency and partnership, and we warmly welcome investors from every corner of the world to join us in building a prosperous future together.”
Irro’s remarks reinforced Somaliland’s role as a strategic gateway to East Africa, combining political stability, economic opportunity, and a welcoming environment for global investors. Analysts say the country’s growing infrastructure, young workforce, and emerging industries make it a promising frontier market for long-term investment.
DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem endorsed Somaliland’s potential, noting its position along major global trade routes and proximity to Ethiopia, which relies heavily on seaports. He said Berbera has emerged as one of the Horn of Africa’s leading ports after significant investment.
Irro also drew attention to Somaliland’s political history, saying it declared independence before other states in the region and remains the only part of the former union with Somalia to have directly elected its president.
This marked Irro’s second appearance at an international investment forum in the United Arab Emirates as his administration seeks foreign capital to boost infrastructure and economic growth. Somaliland has operated as a de facto state since 1991 but has not received international recognition.
