Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia’s push to widen its economic footprint in East and Central Africa gained momentum this week as Ambassador Ilyas Ali Hassan held extended discussions in Kinshasa with Rachel Pungu Luambu, the head of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national investment authority. The meeting brought a renewed sense of opportunity for both sides, reflecting a shared desire to turn political goodwill into tangible economic results.
Diplomats familiar with the talks said the conversation was less about formalities and more about finding practical pathways for Somali entrepreneurs who have long viewed the DRC as a promising but challenging market. Many Somali traders operating in Central Africa often navigate complex regulations, inconsistent customs procedures, and high logistical costs. The ambassador’s engagement sought to ease some of these hurdles, with both sides examining how to simplify entry requirements and harmonize standards that currently slow down cross-border commerce.
The talks also opened the door to new investment possibilities for Mogadishu, particularly in sectors the DRC is looking to expand—manufacturing, logistics, livestock trade, and digital services. Officials involved described a meeting atmosphere shaped by mutual interest: Somalia is eager to diversify its regional economic partners, while Kinshasa continues to court international investors who can help accelerate growth in its urban and emerging industrial zones.
A key focus was the organization of a bilateral business forum expected to take place in the coming months. Preparations are already underway to bring together government representatives, private sector leaders, and investment agencies from both countries. The event is envisioned as a space where Somali and Congolese business leaders can sit face-to-face, explore joint ventures, and understand each other’s markets beyond paperwork and political statements.
For many Somalis working in trade corridors across the continent, the possibility of reduced barriers in the DRC offers more than commercial gain. It represents a chance to build security and stability through economic bridges—a theme that has become increasingly central to Somalia’s diplomacy as it recovers from decades of conflict.
As Kinshasa and Mogadishu continue their dialogue, officials on both sides appear optimistic. The momentum generated by this week’s discussions suggests that the next chapter of Somalia-DRC relations could be defined not just by political cooperation, but by the everyday exchanges of traders, investors, and families who have long sought a smoother path between the two nations.