Hargeisa, Somaliland – In a pivotal discussion on Somaliland’s global diaspora network, Abdul Rafay Afzal, Editor-in-Chief of The Advocate Post, met with key diaspora representatives to Discuss Global Engagement and the forefront of international engagement. The delegation included Hassan Ahmed Ahmed Yusuf (Hassan Afgaab), Technical Advisor on Diaspora Engagement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, alongside Hassan Jama (Somaliland-Swedish dual national) and Ubah Ahmed Osman (Somaliland-Djiboutian dual national).
Harnessing Diaspora Potential for Nation-Building
The meeting focused on the critical role of Somaliland’s diaspora in driving the nation’s development and international advocacy.
– Hassan Afgaab outlined the government’s strategic vision for diaspora engagement, stating,
“Our diaspora is our lifeline—their skills, investments, and advocacy are transforming Somaliland’s future.”
– Fardusa Hassan Jama highlighted educational initiatives, including scholarship programs linking Somaliland students with European institutions.
– Ubah Ahmed Osman shared success stories of cross-border trade and cultural diplomacy with Djibouti.
Contributions and Challenges
The group detailed how the diaspora fuels progress in:
✅ Remittances & Investments: Funding critical infrastructure and private-sector growth
✅ Skills Transfer: Medical, engineering, and tech expertise from abroad
✅ Awareness Campaigns: Lobbying for international recognition
Yet challenges persist, including:
⚠️ Banking restrictions due to non-recognition
⚠️ Visa hurdles for diaspora members
⚠️ Coordination gaps between global communities
A Unified Call to Action
Abdul Rafay Afzal praised their efforts:
“Somaliland’s diaspora is writing a playbook for how stateless nations can leverage global networks.”
The conversation concluded with plans to amplify diaspora stories in international
Why This Matters:
• Somaliland’s 1M+ diaspora contributes ~40% of GDP through remittances with estimated 1.3 Billion Dollars in remittance.
• Dual nationals serve as vital bridges to Europe/Africa
• Meeting timed with Independence Day to spotlight nation-building efforts
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It’s inspiring to see how the diaspora is actively contributing to Somaliland’s development. Programs like the scholarship initiatives mentioned are key for building stronger international connections and empowering the next generation.
Fascinating to see how Somaliland is leveraging diaspora networks not just for remittances but as active partners in nation-building. The focus on scholarships and cross-border trade is especially encouraging.