Hornpost
Hargeisa (Hornpost) The Minister of Energy and Minerals of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre, has outlined an ambitious vision for the country’s mining and energy sector, describing it as a cornerstone for sustainable development, economic diversification, and shared prosperity.
Speaking during the official opening of the Somaliland Minerals Expo 2025 in Hargeisa, the Minister Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre said the inaugural event marks a historic milestone and reflects the government’s long-term commitment to responsible resource development.
“It is an honor for me to stand before you at this inaugural Minerals Expo 2025, the first event of its kind, envisioned in our development agenda. We gather here as partners in shaping the future of Somaliland, a future driven by sustainable and shared prosperity,” Minister Barre said.
He noted that Somaliland is endowed with abundant natural resources capable of transforming the national economy if developed responsibly and sustainably.
According to the Minister, these resources include gold, platinum group elements, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, feldspar, quartz, and a wide range of gemstones such as emerald, aquamarine and amethyst.
“Beneath our soil lie resources that can attract significant investment, encourage industrial growth and create job opportunities for our people,” he stated.
Minister Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre also highlighted growing global demand for strategic and critical minerals, particularly lithium, which is essential for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. He said Somaliland is well-positioned to play a role in supporting the global energy transition.
“We are seeing increasing exploration and investment interest, signaling that Somaliland is emerging on the world stage as a promising destination for mineral development that supports the global energy transition,” he added.
Beyond mineral wealth, The Minister of Energy and Minerals of the Republic of Somaliland Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre stressed that government policy is guided by national development objectives aimed at converting natural resources into tangible benefits for citizens while ensuring fair and competitive returns for investors.
“Our objective is to turn opportunities into real capabilities for our people through job creation, youth empowerment and economic diversification, driven by expanded energy access and a strengthened mining value chain,” he said.
Minister Barre underscored that, under the leadership of the President, the government has introduced forward-looking policies, improved geological and exploration data, and strengthened institutions to make Somaliland a secure and competitive investment destination.
He pointed to recent progress in improving mining governance, including updated mining policies, revised mining legislation, and an investor-friendly fiscal regime.
The Minister of Energy and Minerals of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre also revealed plans to establish key national institutions, including a National Mining Corporation, a National Mining Institute, an internationally certified mining laboratory, an online digital cadastral system, a comprehensive geoscientific database, an extractive sector police unit, and gemstone cutting, polishing and branding centers to enhance value addition.
“When fully implemented, these measures will unlock Somaliland’s mineral potential for the benefit of our people and position the country as an efficient and competitive mining jurisdiction,” the Minister said.
Addressing potential partners and investors, Minister Barre emphasized that investing in Somaliland goes beyond financial returns.
“To all potential partners, I say: investment here is more than capital. It is a partnership in building a resilient economy and a prosperous future for Somaliland,” he concluded.
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Hornpost staff reporter
