Mogadishu, Somalia – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has inaugurated the Somalia–U.S. Presidential Trade Summit in Mogadishu, describing the gathering as a defining moment in the nation’s economic transformation.
In his opening remarks, President Mohamud said the summit represents a strategic shift from traditional aid dependency to mutually beneficial partnerships rooted in investment, innovation and private sector development.
He emphasized that Somalia is positioning itself as “a new frontier for American and global investment,” with untapped opportunities across technology, energy, agriculture, logistics and finance.
The President underscored that the event signals not only renewed diplomatic and economic cooperation with the United States, but also growing confidence in Somalia’s business environment following years of reforms, debt relief milestones and improvements in security and governance.
“We are moving from aid to enterprise,” he stated, calling on investors to tap into Somali creativity, youthful talent and a rapidly expanding private sector. He highlighted the importance of collaboration in job creation, infrastructure development and strengthening regional trade links.
The summit has drawn Somali government officials, American business leaders, trade envoys and representatives from development finance institutions.
Sessions are expected to focus on investment guarantees, regulatory improvements, diaspora partnerships and sectors ready for direct foreign capital.
Organizers say the forum aims to lay the groundwork for long-term commercial ties, joint ventures and technology transfer, while supporting Somalia’s ambitions for economic resilience and global market integration.
The event marks the first high-level trade meeting of its kind held in Mogadishu with U.S. participation, signaling a significant diplomatic and economic endorsement of Somalia’s recovery and future potential.