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HARGEISA, Somaliland—President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi “Cirro” departed yesterday for the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai, where Somaliland aims to captivate both diplomatic and business interests. The presidential delegation’s departure from Egal International Airport marks a strategic push to showcase Somaliland’s potential on a global stage.
Tech Titans and Global Luminaries Converge
This year’s summit has evolved into an unprecedented confluence of power brokers, with tech maverick Elon Musk of Tesla and X, and Oracle’s architectural visionary Larry Ellison headlining an assemblage of global business titans. Their presence transforms Dubai into an amphitheater where the future of governance intersects with technological innovation—presenting Somaliland an opportunity to position itself as an emerging hub in the Horn of Africa.
President Cirro’s Key Engagements
President Cirro is scheduled to attend the high-profile session “How Will Strategic Investments Unlock New Frontiers for Economic Growth?”—a pivotal discussion featuring global leaders, policymakers, and top executives. This session, focusing on how governments can leverage investments to drive sustainable development, aligns with Somaliland’s push to attract foreign direct investment, particularly in infrastructure, renewable energy, and port logistics. Cirro’s participation underscores his administration’s commitment to positioning Somaliland as a stable and business-friendly destination in the region.
High-Stakes Delegation – A Notable Omission
The president leads a delegation comprised of key government officials: Minister of the Presidency Khadar Hussein Abdi Looge, Foreign Affairs Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan Bakal, Finance Minister Abdillahi Hassan Adan, Religious Affairs Minister, and the Presidential Chief of Staff. However, the absence of Somaliland’s dynamic private sector leaders—particularly those from the telecommunications, livestock, and energy sectors—stands out as a missed opportunity. Their firsthand experience in operating successful enterprises could have provided potential investors with valuable insights into the country’s business environment.
UAE Engagement Deepens
The visit follows President Cirro’s January trip to the UAE—his first international engagement since taking office. While official channels provided limited detail about the visit’s outcomes, it reinforced the strategic importance of UAE-Somaliland relations.
The presence of DP World Chairman and CEO Sultan Bin Sulayem adds another dimension to ongoing discussions about Berbera Port operations, a cornerstone of UAE-Somaliland economic cooperation. The port’s modernization under DP World’s 30-year concession agreement stands as a powerful example of Somaliland’s capacity to execute major international ventures.
Bridging the Private Sector Gap
While the government delegation brings diplomatic weight to the summit, the lack of private sector representation may limit Somaliland’s ability to tell its full economic story. Successful local companies like Telesom, Dahabshiil, and various renewable energy ventures have demonstrated Somaliland’s potential for profitable enterprise despite the challenges of non-recognition. Their presence could have provided practical testimony to complement the government’s initiatives.
Investment Horizons
The World Governments Summit provides President Cirro a dual platform: to advance Somaliland’s strategic interests while showcasing opportunities in sectors ranging from technology and renewable energy to infrastructure and maritime trade. As global business leaders and government officials converge in Dubai, Somaliland stands poised to demonstrate its advantages—stable governance, strategic location, and untapped market potential.
Somaliland Chronicle will provide comprehensive coverage of the summit’s developments and their implications for national interests. You can also catch a live stream of the events at the summit here.
