The Somaliland Ministry of Energy and Minerals hosted a landmark meeting with a business delegation from the Taiwan Business Association, signaling a significant step toward deepening economic ties between the two nations.
The meeting, held in Hargeisa, focused on exploring investment opportunities in Somaliland’s energy and mining sectors, with both sides expressing enthusiasm for future collaboration.Chaired by Somaliland’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre, the meeting included key figures such as the Ministry’s Director General, Dr. Shucayb Osman Mahmoud, departmental heads, the Minister’s project advisor, and Somaliland’s Ambassador to Taiwan, Mahmoud Adan Jama (Galaal).
The Taiwanese delegation presented ambitious plans for investment in Somaliland, targeting industries such as energy infrastructure, mining, and the utilization of the nation’s natural resources.
Discussions centered on several critical areas:Renewable Energy Development: The delegation explored opportunities in solar, wind, and geothermal energy, aiming to support Somaliland’s goal of establishing a unified electricity grid to enhance energy access.
Mining and Natural Resources: The talks highlighted Somaliland’s vast mineral wealth, including lithium, which is critical for the global battery industry. The delegation expressed interest in advancing mining operations and potentially establishing a lithium battery manufacturing plant in Somaliland, following the issuance of a large-scale mining license to a Taiwanese company earlier this year.
Investment Frameworks: Both sides reviewed Somaliland’s legal and regulatory frameworks for foreign investment in the mining sector, ensuring a conducive environment for Taiwanese businesses.
The meeting underscored Somaliland’s growing appeal as an investment destination, bolstered by over three decades of peace and democratic governance. The Taiwanese delegation praised Somaliland’s stability and potential, expressing a commitment to supporting sustainable development through technical expertise and capital investment.
Minister Barre emphasized Somaliland’s open-door policy for foreign investors, noting, “We welcome partnerships with Taiwan and other nations to unlock our energy and mineral potential, driving economic growth and supporting our quest for international recognition.”
The Taiwanese delegation’s visit follows a series of high-profile international engagements for Somaliland, including recent investment talks with the United Arab Emirates and a historic diplomatic visit to Qatar by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro. These efforts highlight Somaliland’s strategic push to expand its economic and diplomatic footprint, particularly in energy, mining, and infrastructure.
Both parties concluded the meeting with optimism, pledging to pursue concrete projects that will foster economic growth and sustainable development in Somaliland. The collaboration is expected to pave the way for innovative energy solutions and high-value mineral processing, positioning Somaliland as a key player in the global energy and mining markets