The Strategic Importance of Somaliland to Regional Trade and Security
An Expert Roundtable Discussion
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa (RP SIPODI East Africa), in partnership with the Somaliland Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (SIDIA), convened a high-level roundtable discussion on “The Strategic Importance of Somaliland to Regional Trade and Security” on 22nd October 2025 at the Serene Sarovar Premiere Hotel, Hargeisa, Somaliland.
The discussion brought together government officials, diplomats, researchers, and policy experts to explore Somaliland’s growing influence in regional security and trade, and its potential to advance peace and economic growth across the Horn of Africa.
The event was officially opened by Mr Mohamed Abdirahman Hassan, Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. In his remarks, Mr Hassan outlined Somaliland’s centrality to maritime security in the Red Sea, regional trade and infrastructure development and regional stability. He highlighted the country’s foreign policy focus on attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), expanding exports, and deepening regional and international partnerships. He also thanked KAS for its continued support and encouraged open dialogue among participants.
In his opening remarks, Edgar Mwine, Project Manager at KAS RP SIPODI East Africa, highlighted KAS’s continued partnership with regional institutions in fostering policy dialogue, stability, and sustainable economic integration across East Africa. He underscored the importance of inclusive discussions that link local perspectives to regional and global frameworks on peace and security.
Following the opening session, Mr Ahmed Yusuf Hersi, Maritime Governance and Security Expert, delivered the keynote input. He emphasised Somaliland’s strategic geographic position along the Bab el-Mandeb corridor and the country’s potential to contribute meaningfully to maritime governance, trade facilitation, and regional cooperation.
This submission was followed by an open discussion among the participants who discussed the need to deepen collaboration between regional states and international partners to enhance security, attract investment, and expand trade opportunities. They highlighted Somaliland’s position as a vital gateway for commerce and a stabilising actor in the Horn of Africa where regional stability and economic integration were noted as mutually reinforcing goals.
Experts further underscored the importance of developing robust policies and forging strong international partnerships to consolidate Somaliland’s contribution to regional peace and prosperity.
The roundtable forms part of broader ongoing efforts to strengthen foreign policy understanding and underscore Somaliland’s role as a proactive and reliable partner in regional stability. Through such dialogues, KAS and SIDIA reaffirm their commitment to supporting evidence-based policy engagement and regional cooperation aimed at sustainable peace, security, and development in the Horn of Africa.
Contact
Nils Wörmer
Director Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)
nils.woermer@kas.de
+256 786 751 439
