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Somaliland President Showcases Investment Opportunities to the World at Historic address at Africa Debate UAE 2025.
“I hope Somaliland will soon join the community of recognized nations” – President Cirro
“Somaliland is a reliable democratic partner” – Historic address at Africa Debate UAE 2025.
Dubai (Hornpost) The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), has presented the vast investment opportunities available in Somaliland at a major international forum, highlighting the strategic significance of the Port of Berbera.
Speaking at the Africa Debate UAE 2025, a high-level summit focused on ports, trade, and investment opportunities in East Africa, President Cirro delivered a landmark speech in which he emphasized Berbera’s potential to boost economic growth, strengthen regional stability and security, and facilitate global trade flows.
The President underscored Somaliland’s role in fostering East African commerce, stressing that the country offers a safe environment, a functioning democratic government, and ready opportunities for international investors. He also reminded participants that Somaliland has enjoyed political stability and multiparty democracy for 34 years, regularly holding free and fair elections.
President Cirro described Somaliland as “a reliable and democratic partner” and urged the international community to recognize its achievements. He noted that Somaliland declared independence on 26 June 1960 before voluntarily uniting with Somalia, only to reclaim its sovereignty on 18 May 1991 after years of conflict.
On 18 May 2025, the President said, he wrote letters to world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Somali President Hassan Sheikh, to restate Somaliland’s case for international recognition. He further revealed that Somaliland has garnered growing support from U.S. and British lawmakers, as well as African and Middle Eastern partners, during his recent visits to Djibouti, Kenya, and the UAE.
“I hope Somaliland will soon join the community of recognized nations,” President Cirro declared.
The President also applauded the role of DP World, praising the company’s bold decision to invest in Berbera Port, the Free Zone, and the Berbera Corridor at a time when many others were hesitant. He highlighted that this investment has inspired additional commitments, such as the Pharo Foundation’s $20 million agricultural project.
In his remarks, Cirro dispelled misconceptions about piracy, making it clear that Somaliland has secured its 850-kilometer coastline along the Gulf of Aden and that no piracy incidents have occurred in its waters.
The event was further elevated by the participation of Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, who praised Berbera’s strategic location at the mouth of the Red Sea, connecting the Gulf, the Bab al-Mandab strait, and key international shipping lanes.
Sultan Bin Sulayem said DP World invested in Berbera because of its enormous potential, strong government support, and the trust of the local people. He revealed that Berbera Port already has the capacity to handle a large volume of containers annually and that expansion plans are underway.
He further emphasized:
“If Somaliland receives recognition, its strategic importance will double, and many more international companies will want to invest.”
He added that Berbera could serve as a key hub for trade between India and Africa, thanks to its Free Zone and industrial facilities.
With these commitments and its growing profile on the global stage, Somaliland continues to position itself as both a democratic success story and a gateway for international investment in East Africa.
Hornpost staff Reporter
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