Somalia, Italy launch business week to deepen investment and economic cooperation
MOGADISHU – Somalia and Italy have officially opened the Somalia–Italy Business Week in Mogadishu, a high-level forum designed to expand bilateral trade, strengthen private-sector cooperation, and attract new investment into Somalia’s key growth sectors.
The event has brought together government officials, investors, business leaders, and development partners from both countries to explore opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, and financial services.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mohamed Dubo, Director of the Somalia Investment Promotion Office (SOMINVEST), said the initiative reflects Somalia’s growing integration into regional and international markets and increasing investor confidence in the country’s reform agenda.
He noted that Somalia is actively positioning itself as an emerging investment destination in the Horn of Africa, supported by ongoing economic reforms, improved regulatory frameworks, and efforts to strengthen public-private partnerships.
SOMINVEST emphasized that its role is to facilitate investment flows, reduce barriers for foreign investors, and support local enterprises to scale up through technology transfer, capacity building, and access to finance. The office said its strategy aligns with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan, which prioritizes sustainable development, job creation, and economic resilience.
Italian representatives highlighted their interest in expanding cooperation under Italy’s Mattei Plan, which focuses on long-term development partnerships in Africa, including support for infrastructure, energy transition, and private-sector growth.
Organizers said the business week will include panel discussions, investment roundtables, and networking sessions aimed at converting dialogue into practical agreements and joint ventures.
They expressed optimism that the engagements will result in concrete investment deals that contribute to Somalia’s long-term economic transformation and stronger economic ties between Mogadishu and Rome.
