Many Chinese entrepreneurs still see Somalia as untapped market, Somali envoy says

Saturday August 29, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s ambassador to China, Dr. Hodan Osman Abdi, said many Chinese entrepreneurs still see Somalia as a market they have not had the opportunity to assess firsthand, as the two countries opened their first business networking forum in Mogadishu.

Speaking at the Somalia-China Business Networking Forum on Aug. 25, Hodan said the event was part of a broader effort to turn the long-standing friendship between Somalia and China into stronger commercial ties and direct business partnerships.

“For many Chinese entrepreneurs, Somalia is still a market they have not had the opportunity to see for themselves,” Ambassador Hodan said.

“That is why this visit matters. We want businesses to come, see the country firsthand, meet Somali entrepreneurs, ask questions and assess the opportunities directly,” she said. “The best way to change perceptions is through experience, and the best way to build confidence is through real partnerships.”

Hodan also highlighted the importance of building a two-way economic relationship, attracting Chinese investment, technology and expertise into Somalia while creating greater opportunities for Somali products to reach the Chinese market.

China’s exports to Somalia stood at about $968 million in 2024, while Somalia’s exports to China totaled just $3.1 million.

Forum organizers said the trade gap should be seen not only as a deficit but also as an opportunity for Chinese investors to build processing, packaging and export capacity inside Somalia.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry convened the first Somalia-China Business Networking Forum at Aden Adde International Airport’s hangar in Mogadishu.

The event brought together senior government officials, a visiting delegation of Chinese entrepreneurs, Somali business leaders, chambers of commerce and industry, and project developers.

Held under the theme “Building Partnerships, Creating Opportunities,” the forum was designed as a practical platform to connect Chinese companies directly with Somali businesses, government institutions and investment projects.

The forum focused on practical opportunities in trade, investment and project cooperation between Somalia and China.