Somaliland is poised to strengthen its economic and regional influence as it moves toward finalizing key trade and port agreements with Ethiopia this year. This announcement was made by Somaliland’s President, Abdirahman Cirro, during the 2025 World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The summit, which attracted over 6,000 participants, served as a platform for global leaders to discuss economic and governance issues shaping the world.

President Cirro, addressing attendees in an extended speech, reaffirmed Somaliland’s commitment to fostering economic cooperation with Ethiopia. He underscored the vital role of the Port of Berbera in regional trade, noting its ongoing transformation into a major logistics hub. The port, strategically located along the Gulf of Aden, has undergone significant upgrades following a $400 million investment by DP World, a global logistics leader. These enhancements have greatly improved its capacity, positioning it as a key maritime gateway for East Africa.

With the finalization of trade agreements, the upgraded Berbera port is expected to cater to over 140 million people in Ethiopia, who currently depend on Djibouti’s ports for maritime trade. This development is seen as a significant step in boosting regional commerce and strengthening economic ties between Somaliland and Ethiopia.

President Cirro expressed optimism that these agreements would open new opportunities for trade, investment, and infrastructure growth, reinforcing Somaliland’s vision of becoming a central player in the region’s economic landscape.