Somaliland and Israeli Business Leaders Hold Talks in Addis Ababa

Business leaders and officials from Somaliland and Israel held a meeting in Addis Ababa focused on strengthening trade and investment cooperation between the two sides. In a statement released on Thursday, Somaliland's Ministry of Trade and Tourism said the discussions centered on creating long-term commercial partnerships and expanding economic engagement across several strategic sectors.

The meeting was organized by Somaliland's ambassador to Israel and attended by a Somaliland government delegation that included the trade and tourism minister, the governor of the Bank of Somaliland, the director general of the National Insurance Agency and business representatives led by the Somaliland Chamber of Commerce chairman.

Israeli participants included Israel's deputy ambassador to Ethiopia, other diplomats and Israel's ambassador to Somaliland, who joined the discussions virtually. "The meeting discussed plans to strengthen cooperation in key economic sectors including agriculture, energy, technology, infrastructure, financial systems and healthcare," the ministry said in the statement.

According to the ministry, the Somaliland trade minister highlighted the strategic importance of Somaliland's geographic location along the Gulf of Aden and outlined investment and business opportunities available in the country. "The Somaliland government is ready to welcome any investors and companies seeking to invest and conduct business in the Republic of Somaliland," the minister said, according to the statement.

The ministry added that business representatives from both sides agreed to continue discussions and work toward establishing a long-term economic cooperation platform between Somaliland and Israel.

Background The talks come amid growing diplomatic and commercial engagement between Somaliland and Israel following Israel's recognition of Somaliland in December 2025. The recognition drew international attention to the strategic Red Sea region. Somaliland, which restored its statehood in 1991, has since maintained its own government, security forces and institutions while seeking broader international recognition.