U.S.–Somalia Presidential Trade Forum to Convene in Mogadishu, 4–5 October 2025

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Washington, D.C., in partnership with Cleanport Ventures, is honored to announce the U.S.–Somalia Presidential Trade Forum, to be held in Mogadishu on 4–5 October 2025. This high-level, invitation-only gathering, convened under the patronage of H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, will bring together senior government officials, institutional investors, policy architects, and private-sector leaders to inaugurate a new phase in U.S.–Somalia relations anchored in trade, investment, and strategic cooperation. 

The Forum is designed as a trusted platform for sovereign dialogue and economic diplomacy. Structured sessions will advance national priorities, including infrastructure, energy, finance, governance, and human capital, while enabling B2B matchmaking and the signing of key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Attendance is by invitation only; venue details will be shared securely with confirmed participants upon RSVP via the official forum website. Robust security arrangements and international visibility measures will ensure a safe and globally recognized gathering.

A Relationship Evolving From Security to Shared Prosperity

For decades, the United States and Somalia have cooperated closely on security. That cooperation continues today, including ongoing U.S. Africa Command activities in support of Somali-led counterterrorism operations, underscoring a durable security partnership even as both nations widen the aperture to long-term prosperity (U.S. Africa Command, 2025). 

The economic case for deeper trade and investment is compelling. Somalia reached the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) “Completion Point” in December 2023, unlocking an estimated US$4.5 billion in debt relief and validating the country’s reform trajectory. This milestone improves macroeconomic stability and the investment climate (IMF, 2023). In the same month, the UN Security Council lifted the three-decade arms embargo on Somalia’s government, another signal of normalized engagement with international institutions (United Nations, 2023). Regionally, Somalia became the EAC’s eighth Partner State on 4 March 2024, opening a 300-million-person market and modern customs framework that supports cross-border trade (EAC, 2024).

These developments align with U.S. tools that facilitate two-way commerce, such as Prosper Africa, which coordinates 17 U.S. Government agencies to connect U.S. and African businesses with buyers, suppliers, and investment opportunities (Millennium Challenge Corporation, 2022). The Forum will channel this momentum into concrete, private-sector partnerships. And the first economic case is here.

What to Expect in Mogadishu

Deal-Focused Programming. Across two days, participants will move from policy framing to transactions, pairing U.S. innovation with Somali opportunity. The agenda includes executive roundtables, targeted sector sessions, and MOU signings that demonstrate readiness for U.S. private-sector engagement. 

Priority Sectors. Discussions will cover energy (including clean and digital infrastructure), aviation and logistics, fintech and financial inclusion, education and workforce, fisheries and blue economy, and enabling reforms. 

Participants. The Forum is reserved for senior government officials, federal ministers, investors, and business leaders; participation is subject to confirmation by the Office of the President of Somalia and the Embassy of Somalia in Washington, DC. RSVP is available only on the official Forum website. RSVP here.

Why Now? And Why It Matters?

Somalia’s reform milestones, regional economic integration, and the enduring U.S.–Somalia security partnership have created a window to re-balance the relationship around trade and investment. By convening decision-makers and deal-makers in Mogadishu, the Presidential Trade Forum aims to accelerate bankable projects, expand market access, and create jobs, translating strategic alignment into shared prosperity for both nations. 

Participation & Media

Attendance is by invitation only. Confirmed invitees will receive secure venue information after RSVP. For media or partnership inquiries, please contact the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Washington, D.C.: washingtonembassy@mfa.gov.so.