Somalia, Saudi Arabia Vow Deeper Investment Ties

MOGADISHU – Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has held talks with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Somalia, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Muwallad, as the two countries seek to deepen economic and investment cooperation and expand strategic ties, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The meeting, which took place in Mogadishu on Thursday, centered on broadening bilateral relations and identifying opportunities for closer cooperation in trade, investment, and economic development[reference:0]. The discussions took place as Somalia increasingly turns to Gulf states for support in financing infrastructure projects, creating jobs, and promoting economic growth after recent debt relief gains and continued efforts to rebuild state institutions[reference:1].

In a previous meeting between the two officials in December 2025, Barre stressed the need to shift from aid to trade and called for greater Saudi investment in Somalia’s essential infrastructure, which he described as crucial for economic recovery and lasting stability[reference:2].

Strengthening Economic and Strategic Ties

Prime Minister Barre thanked Saudi Arabia for its ongoing support to Somalia, including humanitarian aid and its backing for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ambassador Al-Muwallad reaffirmed Riyadh’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Somalia and supporting the country’s development priorities[reference:3].

Although no specific agreements were announced, the discussions highlighted expanding economic engagement between Mogadishu and Riyadh, with both sides expressing interest in broadening investment and commercial partnerships.

In September 2025, Somalia’s Minister of Finance held a strategic meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Finance to explore new avenues of bilateral economic cooperation, with talks centered on expanding development investments across key sectors including infrastructure, energy, and agriculture[reference:4].

Maritime Cooperation and Regional Security

Saudi Arabia remains one of Somalia’s most important Gulf partners and a major market for Somali livestock exports, which make up a significant share of the country’s export earnings. Ties between the two countries have grown in recent years through increased diplomatic engagement, development assistance and cooperation on regional security issues.

Somalia and Saudi Arabia established a landmark cooperation agreement focused on port development and maritime transport in February 2026, aiming to enhance economic relations and reinforce collaborative security along the critical Red Sea trade routes[reference:5].

A senior Somali maritime delegation has visited Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Islamic Port to examine world-class knowledge in port administration and advanced terminal operations, as Mogadishu seeks to modernize its port facilities and adopt international operational standards[reference:6].

Gulf Engagement in the Horn of Africa

The meeting also comes as Gulf countries expand their economic and strategic involvement across the Horn of Africa, a region seen as increasingly important for trade, food security, maritime routes and investment opportunities[reference:7].

Somalia’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia recently held talks with the GCC Secretary-General to expand cooperation in areas including security, economic development and broader regional collaboration, with the GCC reaffirming its support for Somalia’s security, unity, stability, and sovereignty[reference:8][reference:9].

For Somalia, attracting Gulf investment is viewed as a key part of the government’s wider strategy to speed up economic recovery, develop infrastructure and unlock the potential of sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, energy and logistics.