The vibrant capital city of Hargeisa is expected to welcome nearly 500 delegates from across the globe as Somaliland Diaspora Week 2025 officially commences next month at the newly Serene Seravor Hall.
Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation’s Diaspora Department, this year’s event, themed “Redefining the Role of Diaspora,” marks a significant evolution in scope and scale, underscoring the diaspora’s pivotal role in shaping Somaliland’s future.
In a historic first, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) will open the four-day event, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening ties with its global diaspora.
The event brings together a diverse group of participants, including diaspora representatives, academics, entrepreneurs, artists, youth, women’s organizations, government officials, and local investors from sectors such as banking, commerce, agriculture, and higher education.
The agenda focuses on critical topics, including enhancing Somaliland’s international recognition, diaspora investment trends, leveraging expertise for national growth, and engaging diaspora-born youth in preserving cultural identity.
Day 1 Highlights: The opening day will feature a high-level panel discussion with diaspora and local experts, followed by a diaspora exhibition showcasing entrepreneurs, investors, exporters, and social impact projects.
The exhibition will highlight success stories, including diaspora-driven tech startups in Hargeisa and remittance-funded healthcare initiatives, with remittances reaching $1.3 billion over the past four years, according to Somaliland Bank.
Over the next three days, attendees will engage in discussions on policy, diplomacy, and innovative partnership models (Day 2), celebrate Somaliland’s rich culture with traditional performances and family-friendly activities (Day 3), and conclude with a grand gala dinner on August 5 (Day 4).
The event follows a successful networking session hosted by the Diaspora Department in June, which gathered feedback to ensure this conference reflects diaspora priorities.
As Somaliland continues its push for international recognition, with recent diplomatic engagements in Qatar and the U.S., Diaspora Week 2025 serves as a platform to amplify these efforts and foster collaboration.