In a resounding affirmation of Somaliland’s strategic importance in Africa’s burgeoning economic landscape, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, President of the Republic of Somaliland, has been invited to deliver a keynote address at The Africa Debate – UAE, set for September 30, 2025, in Dubai. Under the compelling theme “Africa: The Next Global Renewable Energy Hub,” the summit – organized by Invest Africa in partnership with the UAE Government – will convene over 500 influential leaders from government, finance, and industry to chart pathways for inclusive, investment-driven growth across the continent.
President Irro, who assumed office in December 2024 following a decisive electoral victory with over 63% of the vote, will join a fireside conversation titled “Ports, Policy, and Possibility: Berbera and the New Gateway to East Africa.” This dynamic session promises to illuminate the Horn of Africa’s emergence as a frontier for strategic investments, with a spotlight on the transformative Berbera Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Moderated by Mohammed Sergie, Editor of Semafor Gulf, the discussion will feature President Irro alongside Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World – the global logistics powerhouse behind Berbera’s port modernization.
From cutting-edge infrastructure and seamless logistics to robust regulatory frameworks and mitigated sovereign risks, the conversation will unpack the blueprint for attracting long-term foreign direct investment (FDI) into high-potential markets often overlooked by global capital. Berbera, with its upgraded port now handling up to 500,000 TEUs annually and poised for expansion to two million, stands as a beacon of possibility – fostering job creation, trade flows, and industrial synergies that could redefine East Africa’s commercial future. As the UAE – Africa’s largest investor with over $110 billion committed between 2019 and 2023, including $72 billion in renewables – deepens ties with the continent, President Irro’s participation underscores Somaliland’s pivotal role in this UAE-Africa corridor of opportunity.
This invitation builds on President Irro’s acclaimed presence at last year’s World Governments Summit in Dubai, where he championed Somaliland’s democratic credentials and vision for global partnership to an audience of over 30 world governments. There, his strategic address highlighted Berbera’s port as a cornerstone of regional security and logistics, forging key dialogues with UAE officials, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, and DP World executives on trade facilitation and economic collaboration. Now, as The Africa Debate aligns with COP30 preparations and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)’s momentum, President Irro’s insights will further position Somaliland as a stable, investor-friendly hub amid the Global South’s capital reallocation.
The summit, headlined by partners like the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), will also tackle pressing topics from boosting intra-Africa trade to public-private partnerships for infrastructure and climate-aligned energy projects. President Irro’s engagement signals a bright horizon for Somaliland, where initiatives like the Berbera Economic Zone – offering 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and one-stop licensing – are already drawing global interest and empowering local communities, including through DP World’s Solar Mamas program for rural women.
As Africa surges toward its promise as the world’s renewable energy powerhouse, President Irro’s voice at The Africa Debate will not only celebrate Somaliland’s progress but inspire actionable collaborations that uplift the entire Horn of Africa. This is a moment of immense pride for Somaliland – a testament to its resilient democracy, visionary leadership, and unyielding commitment to shared prosperity.