US delegation engages Horn of Africa businesses on trade, investment prospects
A high-level United States delegation has completed a week-long tour of Horn of Africa countries, holding meetings with government officials and business leaders to assess security, humanitarian conditions, and opportunities for trade along the Red Sea corridor.
Led by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Operations Commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson, the team also included U.S. Deputy Ambassador Justin Davis. Their mission focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, maritime security, and the stability needed to support investment and economic growth. Stops on the tour included Puntland, Ethiopia, Somaliland, and Somalia.
Gen. Anderson reiterated that U.S. engagements in Somaliland are aimed at strengthening institutions and supporting African-led responses to insecurity, which continues to disrupt trade routes and investment flows.
In Hargeisa, Somaliland, the delegation met members of the local business community to discuss how private-sector players can contribute to peace and regional economic integration. Among those consulted was Abdirashid Duale, CEO of Dahabshiil Group, a major financial services provider operating across Africa, the Middle East, and the United States.
The discussions touched on the need for predictable policies, stronger commercial ties with international partners, and the role of stable financial systems in supporting regional trade.
Economists say the engagement signals growing interest in structured trade dialogue between Somaliland businesses and U.S. policymakers. They add that frameworks such as a dedicated trade task force or bilateral commercial agreements could help reduce barriers, improve market access, and outline clear rules for cross-border investment.
Such arrangements, they note, would provide much-needed certainty for companies operating in the Horn of Africa region, where security challenges often affect supply chains and investor confidence.