Hargeisa, Exclusive – By Abdul Rafay Afzal – Editor in Chief – The Advocate Post
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals of Somaliland successfully concluded the Somaliland Minerals Expo 2025, marking the first-ever national minerals exhibition in the country’s history. The landmark event was organized under the guidance of Hon. Ahmed Jama Barre, Minister of Energy and Minerals, and held under the visionary leadership of H.E. President Abdul Rehman Mohammed Abdullahi (Irro), reflecting Somaliland’s growing commitment to sustainable resource development, international cooperation, and responsible investment.
The two-day Expo brought together representatives from more than 10 countries, positioning Somaliland as an emerging destination for mineral exploration and investment in the Horn of Africa. The event witnessed strong participation from local and international companies, including firms and industrial stakeholders from Somaliland, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Norway, and several other countries. Renowned industrial tycoons, investors, policymakers, and technical experts attended the Expo, highlighting its global reach and strategic significance.
Speaking at the Expo, Hon. Ahmed Jama Barre emphasized that the Minerals Expo represents a new chapter in Somaliland’s economic transformation. He underlined the government’s commitment to transparency, modern regulatory frameworks, and environmentally responsible mining practices, while inviting international partners to engage in long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation. The Minister noted that Somaliland’s untapped mineral potential combined with political stability and investor-friendly policies offers unique opportunities for global investors.
The Expo also benefited from high-level international participation and diplomatic engagement. H.E. Prof. John Cortes, Minister of Education, Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change, Heritage, Technical Services and Transport of Gibraltar delivered a comprehensive address focusing on sustainable development, climate responsibility, and the importance of aligning mineral extraction with environmental protection and heritage preservation in Gibraltar also praised and expressed his willingness to work with the Somaliland. His remarks were widely appreciated for bridging economic growth with sustainability and future resilience.
Adding to the international dimension, H.E. David Niang, State Minister of Cabinet Affairs from Upper Nile State, South Sudan, delivered a strong and impactful speech. He highlighted regional cooperation, South–South partnerships, and the shared challenges and opportunities facing developing nations in managing natural resources for national development and need for establishment of World community come work and invest in Somaliland.
The Expo further demonstrated Somaliland’s institutional outreach. Ministries from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Abkhazia, and Jamaica formally conveyed their well wishes and messages of support for the success of the Expo. Additionally, official and business delegations from Kenya and Rwanda, as well as visitors and representatives from the United States, Canada and others, attended the event, underscoring growing international interest in Somaliland’s minerals sector.
Among the notable attendees was Abdul Rafay Afzal, Editor-in-Chief of The Advocate Post, who participated in the Expo on the official invitation of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals of Somaliland. His presence reflected strong international media engagement and contributed to broader global visibility of the Expo and Somaliland’s policy initiatives in the energy and minerals domain.
Throughout the Expo, panel discussions, technical presentations, and networking sessions focused on mineral exploration, legal and regulatory frameworks, investment opportunities, value-chain development, and capacity building. The event also provided a platform for Somaliland-based companies to showcase their capabilities and connect with international partners.
The successful hosting of the Somaliland Minerals Expo 2025 has been widely hailed as a historic achievement, setting a strong foundation for future editions. It reinforced Somaliland’s message to the international community: that it is open for responsible investment, committed to sustainable development, and ready to play a constructive role in regional and global mineral markets.
As the Expo concluded, government officials, investors, and international guests expressed optimism that the relationships and dialogues initiated in Hargeisa would translate into concrete partnerships, investments, and long-term collaboration, further strengthening Somaliland’s economic prospects and international standing.
