Somaliland Minerals Expo 2025 Showcases Global Confidence, Draws High-Level Participation from Over 20 Countries
Hargeisa: By Abdul Rafay Afzal (Editor in Chief of The Advocate Post)
Somaliland Minerals Expo 2025 has concluded with resounding success, firmly positioning Somaliland as an emerging hub for mineral investment, international cooperation, and sustainable resource development. Held in Hargeisa, the landmark event brought together delegations, ministries, diplomats, investors, journalists, and technical experts from more than 20 countries, participating both in person and virtually, reflecting growing global confidence in Somaliland’s stability and economic potential.
Broad International Participation
The Expo attracted participation from a diverse group of countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Canada, China, Türkiye, Kenya, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Abkhazia, Iraq (Kurdistan Regional Government), Sudan, South Sudan, Jamaica, and others. Ministries, state departments, and private sector leaders used the platform to explore opportunities in mining, energy, and extractives while strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Somaliland.
Key Participants and Global Voices
Among the notable international attendees was Abdul Rafay Afzal, Editor-in-Chief of The Advocate Post, who attended as an international journalist, lawyer, and global affairs and policy advisor, highlighting the Expo’s international media and policy relevance.
The private sector was strongly represented by leading global firms and executives as Guest Speakers, including:
- Sayed Dyab, CEO, INVICTUS Multi Commodities DMCC
- Kuize, General Manager, China Yicai Mining Company
- Mehmet Caner, General Manager, Emirates Industrial Laboratory
- Brian Baughman, CEO, Our World Impact
- Representatives from Mount Meru Group and Hitachi Construction Machinery etc.
Diplomatic participation included senior diplomats and consular officials, notably the Consul General of Türkiye, Mr. Ozan Pekin, and representatives of the Ethiopian diplomatic mission, underscoring the Expo’s strong regional and international diplomatic engagement.
High-Level Virtual Addresses
A major highlight of the Expo was the virtual address by H.E. John Cortes, Minister for Environment, Education, Climate Change, Heritage, Sustainability, Technical Services and Transport of Gibraltar. In his speech, Minister Cortes shared Gibraltar’s development experience, governance frameworks, and sustainability journey, emphasizing lessons the global community can draw from Gibraltar’s progress. He praised Somaliland’s efforts in institution-building and economic development and expressed his readiness to support South-South cooperation, including opening doors for collaboration between Somaliland and other countries.
Similarly, Hon. David Nyang, State Minister for Cabinet Affairs of Upper Nile State, South Sudan, delivered a powerful address applauding Somaliland’s progress, peace, and stability. He praised the leadership of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” and Minister of Energy and Minerals Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre, highlighting the shared historical experiences of Somaliland and South Sudan. Hon. Nyang emphasized that investment should go beyond capital, calling for transfer of knowledge, skills, and technology, and proposed closer cooperation between Somaliland and South Sudan in the minerals sector.
Strong Support from Pakistan and Other Governments
From Pakistan, Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani, Minister of Mines and Minerals, Punjab, sent an official message expressing gratitude for the invitation and appreciation for the Government of Somaliland. He commended the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and H.E. Minister Ahmed Jama Barre for organizing a vital forum that advances dialogue, investment, and cooperation in extractive industries. He reaffirmed Punjab’s interest in exploring future partnerships with Somaliland and the Horn of Africa, particularly in mineral development, technical cooperation, and sustainable resource utilization.
Goodwill messages were also received from ministries and governments of Afghanistan, Abkhazia, Iraq (Kurdistan Regional Government), and Jamaica, further demonstrating wide international recognition of the Expo.
Regional Cooperation and African Engagement
A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Mines of Kenya attended the Expo, led by Mr. Thomas Mutwiwa, Secretary of Mines at the State Department of Mining, and Mr. Dennis O. Odero, Head of Mining Security. Their participation reinforced regional cooperation and highlighted East Africa’s shared interest in strengthening mining governance and security.
Somaliland Leadership: Vision for the Future
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” addressed the Expo, reaffirming Somaliland’s commitment to transparency, responsible mining, and international partnership. He announced that oil exploration and drilling activities are expected to begin in 2026, signaling that tangible economic transformation is on the horizon.
Minister of Energy and Minerals Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre emphasized that Somaliland is ready to move from potential to production, supported by international trust and modern regulatory frameworks.
Director General Shucayb Cismaan Maxamuud stated that Somaliland’s mineral wealth is now clearly visible to the world, noting that the presence of numerous international companies, investors, and governments is proof that the country is firmly on the path to prosperity.
Adding to this outlook, Mr. Abdurehman Ismail, Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, described Somaliland as being at a pivotal turning point, predicting that the world will witness the results of today’s groundwork in the coming years.
A Milestone for Somaliland
The Somaliland Minerals Expo 2025 has emerged as more than a conference, it has become a symbol of international confidence, regional cooperation, and future opportunity. With broad global participation, strong political support, and clear plans for the future, the Expo marked a decisive step toward unlocking Somaliland’s mineral wealth and integrating the country more deeply into the global economic landscape.
