Central Sky International Trading Co. targets December 1, 2026, for a landmark mining licence, with plans to develop one of the Horn of Africa’s most modern mineral-processing facilities.
HARGEISA, SOMALILAND — November 2, 2026 | The Advocate Post
Somaliland is moving closer to a significant milestone in its mining sector as Taiwanese-owned Central Sky International Trading Co. (CSK) advances towards securing a licence for large-scale mining operations, with December 1, 2026, identified as the anticipated issuance date.
The development follows high-level discussions involving Somaliland’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, H.E. Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre, Director-General Dr. Shucayb Osman Mohamoud, representatives of Taiwan’s mission in Somaliland, and senior executives of Central Sky International Trading Co.
The meeting brought together Kelly Zhang, Taiwan Business Representative at the Taiwan Representative Office in Somaliland; Alyne Chen, General Manager of CSK; and Alic, Manager of CSK, alongside senior Somaliland government officials.
Discussions focused on finalising outstanding matters relating to the proposed large-scale mining licence and advancing preparations for the company’s industrial mining and mineral-processing operations.
If the anticipated approval is granted, CSK is expected to become the first Taiwanese company to obtain such a mining licence in Somaliland, potentially establishing a new benchmark for Taiwanese private-sector investment in the country’s mineral industry.
A Major Step Towards Industrial Mining
Central Sky International Trading Co. is pursuing plans to establish an advanced mineral-processing facility in Somaliland, with the ambition of developing one of the region’s most modern industrial operations.
The proposed project is expected to introduce modern processing technologies and industrial infrastructure, supporting Somaliland’s efforts to move beyond conventional mineral extraction towards higher-value processing and industrial development.
Beyond its commercial significance, the investment could create opportunities for technical employment, workforce development, knowledge transfer and greater participation by local businesses in the mining supply chain.
The project’s successful implementation would also represent an important development in Somaliland’s ambitions to attract long-term international investment into its natural resources sector.
Strengthening Somaliland–Taiwan Economic Cooperation
The proposed investment comes amid expanding economic engagement between Somaliland and Taiwan, whose cooperation has increasingly extended into trade, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and natural resources.
Since establishing reciprocal representative offices in 2020, the two sides have pursued closer institutional and commercial relations, with mining identified among the areas offering opportunities for cooperation.
CSK’s anticipated licensing milestone could further strengthen this relationship by translating commercial engagement into a substantial industrial investment.
The participation of Taiwan’s business representative in the latest discussions also highlights the growing importance of coordination between government institutions, diplomatic representatives and private investors in facilitating cross-border investment.
December 1: A Key Milestone
With December 1, 2026, identified as the target date for the licence’s issuance, attention now turns to the completion of the remaining administrative and regulatory procedures.
The licence remains subject to formal approval and issuance by the relevant Somaliland authorities.
For Somaliland, the project represents a potential opportunity to expand industrial capacity and strengthen its position as an emerging destination for international mining investment.
For Taiwan’s private sector, CSK’s progress could open a new chapter in commercial participation in Somaliland’s natural resources industry.
The anticipated development marks an important moment for Somaliland–Taiwan economic cooperation, with the proposed mineral-processing facility carrying the potential to contribute to industrial growth across Somaliland and the wider Horn of Africa.
