Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Madrid – (Horn Africa News) – A major international forum, the Spain–Africa Summit 2025, officially opened today in Madrid, Spain, with the Somali Minister of Public Works, Dr. Elmi Mahmoud Nur, delivering the keynote address. The event gathered high-level officials, policy makers, and development experts from both Spain and across the African continent.

Dr. Nur’s speech focused on reconstruction, infrastructure development, and Somalia’s new national transformation plan for 2025–2029, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Spain–Africa Strategic Partnership.
In his address, Dr. Nur highlighted the critical role of infrastructure in national progress. He emphasized the importance of rebuilding ports, roads, energy systems, dams, and regional connectivity to stimulate economic growth and foster long-term stability. He called upon Spain and the international community to provide substantial investment and support in advancing Somalia’s development goals.
This year’s official Somali theme at the summit is:
“Somalia is not being rebuilt — it is being transformed.”
This slogan reflects Somalia’s renewed vision for peace, development, and global cooperation. The summit marks a significant step in deepening ties between Spain and African nations, especially Somalia, as it charts a path forward after years of conflict and recovery efforts.