Somalia hosts China business forum as government seeks to attract investment

Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama officially opened the Somalia-China Business Networking Forum in Mogadishu on Tuesday. The event was organised by Somalia’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The forum brought together government ministers, the ambassadors of Somalia and China, representatives of the Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the China-Africa Chamber of Commerce, as well as business leaders and investors from both countries.

Mr Jama called on Chinese companies to explore investment opportunities in Somalia, particularly in infrastructure, manufacturing, fisheries, agriculture, energy, transport and logistics.

He said closer economic cooperation should not be limited to trade and investment, but should also help create jobs, increase domestic production and support wider economic development.

The forum provides a platform for Somali and Chinese businesses to discuss potential partnerships and investment opportunities as Somalia seeks to strengthen its private sector and attract foreign capital.

Somalia has increasingly focused on private-sector development and foreign investment as part of efforts to rebuild its economy following decades of conflict and instability.

The government has also sought to strengthen economic relations with international partners and encourage investment in infrastructure and productive industries.

China has been involved in infrastructure and development projects across Africa, while Somali officials have sought to attract Chinese expertise and capital to support the country’s economic development.

Participants at the forum are expected to explore cooperation between Somali and Chinese companies in areas including agriculture, fisheries, energy, infrastructure and logistics.

The Somali government said stronger links with Chinese businesses could help develop the country’s productive capacity while creating opportunities for local companies and workers.

The meeting also reflects the growing role of business engagement in Somalia’s relations with China, with direct contact between companies seen as a way of developing longer-term commercial partnerships.

Mr Jama said Somalia was open to partnerships that could support sustainable economic growth and strengthen the country’s productive sectors.

Officials hope discussions at the forum will lead to investment agreements and longer-term partnerships between Somali and Chinese businesses.

Attracting foreign investment remains a key priority for Somalia as it seeks to rebuild infrastructure, expand employment and develop industries capable of supporting sustained economic growth.