By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — The New Mogadishu Investment Corporation has released detailed plans outlining the timeline, scope and financing framework for a series of large-scale infrastructure projects that are expected to reshape Somalia’s capital and strengthen its role as a regional economic hub.
The company, which is responsible for the development of a new international airport, a modern seaport and the Mogadishu Special Economic District, said the projects represent one of the most ambitious investment programs undertaken in Mogadishu in decades.
According to the announcement, construction of the new Mogadishu International Airport is scheduled to take place between 2026 and 2028, with commercial operations expected to begin in 2029. The airport project, estimated to cost more than $714 million, is designed to significantly expand passenger and cargo handling capacity, improve safety standards and position Mogadishu as a key aviation gateway in the Horn of Africa.
The company said the airport will include modern passenger terminals, advanced air traffic control systems, expanded cargo facilities and supporting infrastructure aimed at meeting international aviation standards.
Meanwhile, the new Mogadishu seaport is expected to be completed by 2028, with an estimated investment of $850 million. The port project aims to increase cargo throughput, reduce congestion at existing facilities and enhance Somalia’s ability to compete in regional maritime trade. Officials said the port will feature deep-water berths, modern logistics facilities and improved connections to road networks serving the capital and surrounding regions.
In addition to the airport and seaport, the Mogadishu Special Economic District is planned as a long-term development project running from 2025 through 2030, with total investment estimated at $2 billion. The special economic zone is intended to attract foreign and domestic investors by offering dedicated industrial, commercial and logistics areas, as well as regulatory and tax incentives.
The New Mogadishu Investment Corporation said the economic district is expected to host manufacturing, trade, financial services and technology-related businesses, creating tens of thousands of jobs and supporting skills development for local workers.
Company officials described the projects as central to Mogadishu’s economic recovery and modernization, noting that improved infrastructure is essential for job creation, increased trade and long-term stability. They also said the developments would enhance the capital’s strategic importance along key regional trade routes linking East Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
While specific funding partners were not publicly named, the corporation said the projects would be financed through a combination of private investment, international partnerships and long-term development financing. Somali authorities have welcomed the initiative, saying it aligns with national plans to boost investment, rebuild critical infrastructure and strengthen the country’s economic foundations after decades of conflict.
The projects, once completed, are expected to mark a significant shift in Mogadishu’s economic landscape, positioning the city as a major commercial and logistics center in the Horn of Africa.
