Naval forces have contained a pirate group operating off Somalia, easing concerns over disruptions to major Indian Ocean trade routes. The Indian Navy and EU’s Operation Atalanta intercepted a pirate-occupied dhow linked to last week’s hijacking of the tanker Hellas Aphrodite. Analysts say the incident underscores persistent risks for global shipping lanes connecting Asia, Africa, and the Gulf, though increased naval patrols have lowered the threat to commercial maritime traffic.

Somalia will introduce a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system on Nov. 27, 2025 to digitally regulate all passenger movements through Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe, and Bosaso airports. The platform links directly to airline databases, preventing boarding without prior clearance from Somali immigration. Officials say the system strengthens national security and airspace sovereignty, while critics warn of possible misuse of passenger data for surveillance or political targeting under the guise of security.

India’s foreign tourist arrivals from Somalia surged 144% between 2019 and 2024, rising from 5,044 to 12,320 visitors—the only country to post triple-digit growth. The Ministry of Tourism reported 99.5 lakh total FTAs in 2024, slightly below pre-COVID levels, but growth from North America, Europe, and Africa signals a strong rebound. Analysts expect arrivals to surpass 2019 volumes by 2026, supported by improved visa policies and global tourism promotion.

Somalia’s Minister of Planning, Investment and Economic Development, Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah (Beenebeene), met Brazil’s Minister of Social Development, Wellington Dias, during the Global Social Development Forum in Doha. The talks focused on poverty reduction, social protection, and inclusive growth aligned with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan 2025–2029. Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in investment, capacity building, and private sector engagement to foster sustainable development and job creation.

Somalia invited Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from across the East African Community to invest and trade in the country. Speaking at Somalia Day during the 25th EAC MSME Expo in Nairobi, Agriculture Minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir Mareye highlighted Somalia’s commitment to regional integration and trade-led growth. Officials pointed to Somalia’s strategic location, the adoption of Kiswahili, and opportunities in agribusiness, logistics, fisheries, and digital innovation.

The Somali Stock Exchange (SSE) and Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) will co-host the East Africa Islamic Finance Forum 2025 in Nairobi on December 2. The event aims to expand ethical and Shariah-compliant finance across the region and foster links with Middle Eastern markets. SSE CEO Hassan Dudde said the forum will open halal investment opportunities and promote financial inclusion. The meeting will focus on Islamic banking, capital markets, and Takaful insurance innovation.