The 2026 Somaliland Diaspora Conference has called for a major transformation in the relationship between Somaliland and its citizens abroad, urging the government and diaspora communities to move beyond reliance on remittances and occasional gatherings toward a structured national partnership centered on investment, expertise, diplomacy and long-term development.
The conference brought together the Government of the Republic of Somaliland, diaspora communities, business leaders, professionals, investors, civil society organizations, local governments and other stakeholders to discuss the future of cooperation between Somaliland and its diaspora around the world.
Held across Hargeisa, Borama and Burco, the conference opened with sessions in Hargeisa on August 2 and 3, followed by a session in Borama on August 4 and another in Burco on August 6. It concluded with a dinner ceremony in Hargeisa.
Organizers said taking the conference beyond the capital allowed discussions to reflect both national development priorities and the specific needs of Somaliland’s regions.
From remittances to strategic partnership
At the heart of the conference was a call to redefine the role of the Somaliland diaspora.
Participants recognized the diaspora’s substantial contribution to Somaliland through investment, knowledge, professional expertise and international advocacy. But they also acknowledged that the diaspora itself is changing, particularly as second- and third-generation Somalilanders grow up abroad.
The conference therefore called for a new relationship that goes beyond individual assistance and remittances and develops into a structured national partnership capable of delivering lasting benefits to both Somaliland and its diaspora.
The shared vision adopted by participants is of “a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Somaliland” in which citizens at home and abroad work together for national development.
Under that vision, the diaspora is described as an indispensable part of Somaliland’s past, present and future, with contributions extending beyond money transfers to include knowledge, skills, innovation, diplomacy and international networks.
The conference also emphasized the need to create meaningful avenues for second- and third-generation Somalilanders abroad to remain connected to their country and contribute to its development.
Diaspora investment fund proposed
One of the most significant proposals emerging from the conference is the development of a Diaspora Investment Strategy as part of Somaliland’s wider national investment framework.
Participants also proposed exploring the establishment of a Diaspora Investment Fund to channel diaspora resources into strategic development opportunities.
The conference called for government action to remove barriers related to travel, entry into Somaliland, finance and administration that could discourage diaspora members and investors from returning or investing in the country.
It further urged the strengthening of banking and financial systems, improved access to reliable investment information, and the creation of simpler and more transparent systems through which the diaspora can engage with Somaliland.
Priority areas identified for diaspora investment include economic infrastructure, energy, agricultural production and businesses capable of generating employment and driving economic growth.
Turning diaspora expertise into national capacity
The conference also placed heavy emphasis on the knowledge and professional expertise of Somalilanders abroad.
Professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, technology specialists and young members of the diaspora are expected to play a greater role in transferring knowledge, skills and experience to Somaliland.
Participants proposed creating mechanisms that would allow second- and third-generation Somalilanders abroad to maintain regular connections with the country through skills exchanges, business partnerships and innovation initiatives.
The conference specifically identified health, education, technology, energy, natural-resource development, business and government institutional development as areas where diaspora expertise could be systematically deployed.
Development agenda to extend beyond Hargeisa
The conference also issued a call for a more geographically balanced development model.
Participants said diaspora engagement and development partnerships should reach all regions and districts of Somaliland rather than becoming concentrated in Hargeisa.
The resolutions call for stronger decentralization, greater empowerment of local governments, equitable access to public services and expanded economic infrastructure.
Particular emphasis was placed on roads connecting the regions and airports serving major cities.
The conference also called for investment and development projects in cities outside the capital to create new economic opportunities and strengthen national cohesion.
Stronger institutions and digital government
Governance and public services formed another major pillar of the conference resolutions.
Participants emphasized the need for strong government institutions capable of delivering effective services to citizens and maintaining efficient relations with the diaspora.
The resolutions call for greater cooperation and coordination among government institutions, expanded access to government services across the country and stronger decentralization at both local and central levels.
The conference also placed emphasis on digital governance, cybersecurity and government data management, while calling for stronger systems supporting Somaliland’s sovereignty and international relations.
Regular communication and consultation between the government and citizens at home and abroad was also highlighted.
The conference further called for improvements to immigration systems, entry procedures and digital public services so that diaspora members, investors and visitors can receive efficient and reliable services while Somaliland’s sovereignty is safeguarded.
Health, education and youth placed at center of development
The conference identified diaspora cooperation as a potential driver of improvements in essential public services.
In healthcare, the resolutions call for stronger infrastructure, referral systems, medical equipment, digital health services, workforce development and improved healthcare quality throughout Somaliland.
Education and vocational training were also identified as key areas for expanded cooperation and knowledge exchange.
The conference additionally called for greater participation by women and young people in leadership, business, innovation and public service.
Diaspora described as Somaliland’s bridge to the world
Beyond development and investment, the conference placed a strategic emphasis on the diaspora’s international connections.
Participants described Somaliland’s diaspora as a strategic bridge between Somaliland and the international community, pointing to its professional, political, academic and commercial networks.
The resolutions call for stronger cooperation between government institutions, Somaliland’s offices and representatives abroad, and diaspora communities.
They also call for the establishment of international partnerships, expansion of Somaliland’s economic and diplomatic relations, greater investment and stronger advocacy for Somaliland’s interests on international platforms.
From occasional meetings to permanent cooperation
A further key outcome was the call to institutionalize the relationship between the government and the diaspora.
The conference said diaspora participation should no longer be limited to occasional events and sporadic meetings, but should instead become sustained, structured and institutionalized cooperation.
Participants proposed permanent mechanisms for government-diaspora collaboration and stronger coordination of diaspora affairs across government institutions.
The resolutions also call for national priorities, investment opportunities and development programs to be communicated to the diaspora regularly and transparently.
Another proposed mechanism would identify, document, connect and mobilize Somaliland diaspora experts and professionals so their expertise can be used more effectively.
The conference also called for continuous monitoring of the implementation of its resolutions.
“One united national community”
In its concluding declaration, participants affirmed that Somalilanders living inside the country and abroad constitute one united national community and share responsibility for the country’s development.
They agreed that the traditional perception of the diaspora should give way to recognition of the diaspora as a strategic partner whose financial resources, knowledge, skills and international networks can make a significant contribution to national development and the livelihoods of Somaliland’s people.
The participants said the future relationship should be built around cooperation, shared responsibility, productive investment, knowledge exchange and people-to-people engagement, with the objective of producing tangible and measurable results and promoting shared prosperity and inclusive development.
A call to turn resolutions into action
The conference concluded with a direct appeal to the Somaliland Government, diaspora communities, businesses and national institutions to translate the resolutions into concrete action and measurable results.
The communiqué makes clear that the success of the conference will ultimately depend not on the resolutions themselves, but on whether they can be converted into functioning investment mechanisms, stronger public services, effective diaspora engagement, knowledge-transfer programs, regional development and expanded international partnerships.
The communiqué was formally adopted following the 2026 Somaliland Diaspora Conference.
The conference’s overarching message is clear: Somaliland’s diaspora is being called upon not simply to send money home, but to invest, innovate, transfer knowledge, build international partnerships and become an institutional partner in the country’s long-term national development.