Somalia’s suspension of agreements with the United Arab Emirates is reshaping port operations and investment flows across the Horn of Africa. Emirati firms have withdrawn workers and equipment from facilities in Kismayo, Berbera, and parts of Puntland, affecting logistics and infrastructure projects worth an estimated $800 million. Analysts say the pullback will weaken UAE commercial influence but could also hurt Somalia’s economy by disrupting trade, port revenues, and security-linked investment in key coastal regions.

Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Jamal Mohamed Hassan, met with Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu to discuss strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Talks focused on investment opportunities, industrial development, and expanding trade ties, with both sides highlighting China’s role in supporting Somalia’s economic growth. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to deepening commercial relations for mutual economic benefit.

Somalia’s largest telecom operator, Hormuud Telecom, has accused Kenyan forces of destroying its telecommunications infrastructure in the Dhuyac-garoon area of Lower Juba. The company said the damage disrupted mobile communications and mobile money services for up to 30,000 residents, affecting trade, remittances, and access to financial services. Hormuud warned that the incident has worsened economic and humanitarian conditions in the drought-hit region and called for the protection of civilian commercial infrastructure.

Pakistan and Somalia signed an agreement ending visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders. President Asif Ali Zardari witnessed the signing during talks with Somali Interior Minister Ali Yousuf in Islamabad. Somali Permanent Secretary Hamza Adan Haadoow and Pakistani Special Secretary Dawood Muhammad Baraech signed the deal. Leaders said it will ease official travel and support trade, security cooperation, and institutional coordination. Both sides also discussed law enforcement and criminal justice collaboration.

Somalia’s Minister of Planning, Investment and Economic Development, Mohamud Abdirahman Beene-Beene, met with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative, Dr. Mary Otieno, to strengthen cooperation on development programmes. Discussions focused on aligning projects with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan, improving coordination, and strengthening monitoring and evaluation. Both sides emphasized transparency, accountability, and sustained collaboration to accelerate social development and improve essential service delivery nationwide.

Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Gamal Mohamed Hassan, has held high-level talks with business leaders in the Benadir region to address barriers to commercial growth and boost investment. The discussions focused on improving the business environment, strengthening local manufacturing, expanding exports, and reducing reliance on imports. Business representatives emphasized their role in job creation and revenue generation, expressing readiness to partner with the government on modernizing and expanding Somalia’s presence in global markets.