Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The General Manager of the Mogadishu Port Authority, Amb. Ahmed Mohamed Jama Americo, represented Somalia at the 2nd Port Development MEA Forum held in Dubai this week, joining key maritime players from across the Middle East and Africa.
The high-level event brought together industry leaders from AD Ports Group, Tanger Med, and other global stakeholders to explore new pathways for sustainable port development and regional trade integration.
During the forum, Amb. Americo emphasized Somalia’s growing ambition to transform the Mogadishu Deep-Sea Port into a leading maritime gateway for East Africa. He underscored that the country’s coastline—the longest in mainland Africa—offers unmatched potential for shipping, logistics, and blue economy investments if backed by sound infrastructure and strategic partnerships.
The discussions focused on advancing the deep-sea port expansion project in Mogadishu, which aims to boost operational efficiency, attract foreign trade, and improve connectivity with regional transport corridors. Amb. Americo highlighted the federal government’s commitment to ensuring transparent management, modern facilities, and a skilled workforce capable of meeting international port standards.
“Our goal is to make Mogadishu Port not just a point of entry, but a regional hub that drives economic transformation across the Horn of Africa,” he told delegates.
The Dubai forum served as a crucial platform for Somalia to reaffirm its place in global maritime cooperation, signaling renewed confidence in the nation’s capacity to anchor trade and development through its ports.