Ningxia, China – Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, currently on a working visit to China, on Wednesday toured the Ningdong Energy and Chemical Industry Base in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, one of China’s largest energy and industrial hubs.
The Prime Minister was received by senior provincial and industry officials, who briefed him on Ningxia’s integrated coal, chemical, and energy production facilities that drive much of the region’s economic output. The site is regarded as a cornerstone of China’s national energy security strategy, hosting advanced infrastructure in clean coal utilization, renewable energy integration, and chemical processing.
During the visit, Prime Minister Barre expressed Somalia’s interest in learning from China’s energy and industrial transformation, highlighting that his government is prioritizing investment in energy, infrastructure, and sustainable development. He stressed that energy security remains key to Somalia’s economic recovery, job creation, and private-sector growth.
“This visit gives us a real understanding of how technology, innovation, and investment can be combined to create opportunities. Somalia welcomes cooperation in the energy and industrial sectors as we pursue sustainable growth,” Barre said, according to officials accompanying him.
The Ningdong tour forms part of the Prime Minister’s wider official engagements in China aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, attracting investment, and exploring cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. Earlier this week, he met with senior Chinese leaders in Yinchuan, where both sides reiterated their commitment to deepening historic Somalia–China relations.
Barre’s visit comes as Somalia works to diversify its economy and build resilience against recurring challenges, including climate shocks and limited domestic energy capacity. By engaging with Chinese industrial regions such as Ningxia, Mogadishu hopes to draw lessons and partnerships that can accelerate Somalia’s long-term development agenda.