Hargeisa: Somaliland on Monday launched its first-ever National Livestock Trade and Production Expo 2025, marking a major milestone in efforts to modernize and expand one of the country’s most vital economic sectors.
The exhibition was officially opened by the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Rural Development, H.E. Cumar Shucyb, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the government. The event was organized by the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Rural Development and brought together national and international stakeholders from across the livestock value chain.
In his remarks, Minister Omar Shuaib highlighted the strategic importance of Somaliland’s eastern regions, noting that approximately 70 percent of the country’s livestock population is concentrated in Sool, Sanaag, and Badhan.
“Sool, Sanaag, and Badhan hold 70 percent of Somaliland’s livestock. If modern methods of livestock management are implemented, we believe they alone will be enough to cover all our production needs,” the minister stated.
He emphasized that adopting modern livestock rearing, health management, and feed production practices would significantly boost productivity, export quality, and economic returns for pastoralist communities.
The minister also announced government plans to construct a new dedicated port for livestock exports, aimed at improving logistics and animal welfare. He explained that existing quarantine and holding facilities have expanded into or beyond urban areas, forcing livestock to pass through cities during transport.
“The holding facilities have approached the cities or even gone beyond them, and our livestock pass through the middle of the cities. We have planned to soon build a new dedicated port for livestock, and the holding facilities will also be constructed near that port,” he said.
Reaffirming the ministry’s long-term vision, Minister Omar Shuaib stressed the importance of capacity building and education in the sector.
“We will teach people modern rearing methods so that they can keep up with the world,” he added.
The National Livestock Trade and Production Expo 2025 featured more than 30 exhibition stalls representing both national and international companies, showcasing livestock products, veterinary services, animal feed, technology, and trade solutions. Participants from around 10 different countries attended the expo, reflecting growing international interest in Somaliland’s livestock industry.
The event aims to encourage livestock owners, promote value addition, and expand the production of animal feed to support sustainable growth and resilience in the sector.
The Editor-in-Chief of The Advocate Post also attended the expo at the invitation of H.E. Omar Shuaib Mohamed, underscoring the event’s national and international significance.
Organizers described the expo as a major success, held under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Somaliland and the guidance of Minister Omar Shuaib Mohamed, marking a historic achievement with the successful launch of Somaliland’s first National Livestock Trade and Production Expo.
Officials expressed optimism that the expo will become a regular platform to strengthen trade partnerships, modernize livestock production, and reinforce Somaliland’s position as a leading livestock exporter in the Horn of Africa.
