Somalia Makes Debut at International Transport Forum Summit

LEIPZIG: The Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum (ITF), held from May 6 to 8 in the German city of Leipzig, concluded with Somalia attending the global platform for the first time. The Somali delegation was led by the Director General of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, Omar Afrah, who engaged in high‑level discussions on the development of air, land, and maritime transport as well as collaboration in the transport sector.

The ITF is a prestigious international gathering that brings together nearly 100 member states, international organizations, multinational corporations, and global investors. Its strategic focus is on improving mobility, connectivity, and investment in transport infrastructure worldwide. Throughout the summit, Director General Afrah held a series of bilateral meetings with the Minister of Transport of Türkiye, the Deputy Minister of Transport of Azerbaijan (which presided over this year’s forum), the Deputy Minister of Transport of China, the Secretary‑General of the ITF, and representatives from international companies and investment groups. The discussions concentrated on enhancing cooperation in the transport sector, promoting infrastructure development, and exploring investment opportunities in Somalia.

The forum warmly welcomed Somalia’s participation this year and formally extended an invitation for the country to become a full member of the International Transport Forum in the coming year. Officials described the invitation as a significant opportunity for Somalia and an indicator of growing international confidence in the nation’s progress, recovery, and ongoing reconstruction efforts. The Federal Government has been actively working to modernize the country’s transport infrastructure and has sought stronger engagement with global bodies to attract investment and technical expertise.

Director General Afrah’s participation in Leipzig builds on a series of recent engagements aimed at upgrading Somalia’s transport sector. The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation recently convened a consultative meeting in Mogadishu on road safety and traffic congestion, focusing on proposed revisions to the Traffic Law and the development of a strategic vision built on clear regulations, enhanced inter‑agency coordination, and public education. The private sector has also been engaged to help tackle congestion and modernize the transport network.

In the maritime sector, Somalia has taken steps to strengthen its port and shipping capabilities. Mogadishu Port has introduced transshipment services, reflecting record cargo volumes and enhanced operational efficiency. The invitation to join the ITF as a full member would give Somalia a seat at a key global table where transport policies, investment priorities, and safety standards are shaped. The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has indicated that it will prepare the necessary documentation to formalise membership ahead of next year’s summit.