Latest news with #Somaliland
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
What Trump can learn from the Gulf about doing business in Africa
Four years ago, DP World signed a $1 billion trade corridor agreement with the Ethiopian government. The plan: link the logistics giant's port in Berbera, Somaliland, with Ethiopia — a landlocked nation of 120 million people. It wasn't aid. It wasn't a photo op. It was business: strategic, long-term, unapologetically calculated. During my seven years as Dubai Chamber's Chief Representative for Ethiopia covering the Horn of Africa region, I saw the impact of bold, early investment. The Gulf didn't wait for African markets to 'stabilise'. It moved quickly — into ports, infrastructure, agribusiness, and tech — while others hesitated. Now, as the Trump White House prepares to host an Africa trade and investment summit, the US has a chance to reposition itself. But that means showing up with more than handshakes. It means taking Africa seriously — the way the Gulf, and China, already do. Bet early bet big In many sectors, the UAE has already outpaced China. In 2022 and 2023, the UAE committed $97 billion to new investments across Africa — spanning sectors such as renewable energy, ports, mining, real estate, telecoms, agriculture, and manufacturing, according to fDi Markets. These aren't vanity projects. They're strategic investments designed to serve both Gulf supply chains and African growth. Saudi Arabia is moving too. In 2024, it pledged $41 billion in funding to low-income Sub-Saharan countries. By contrast, the US has remained cautious and slow. But Trump's deal-making instincts could resonate in Africa — home to some of the world's fastest-growing economies and increasingly pragmatic leadership. The danger is doing the deals without a plan. Without a long-term strategy, it's just another missed opportunity. From aid to trade Africa doesn't need charity. It needs business — fair, forward-looking, and grounded in mutual benefit. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is set to become a $3.4 trillion economic bloc, connecting over 50 countries and 1.3 billion people. It will be the largest single market in the world by number of participants. The Gulf got the memo years ago. Sovereign wealth funds like ADQ and Mubadala are investing in logistics, food processing, and digital infrastructure — not as favors, but because the returns are real. China moved even earlier with its Belt and Road Initiative, though not without missteps. If the US wants to compete, it needs to move beyond outdated aid frameworks — and focus on deals that still matter a decade from now. Engage the diaspora and mean it As the US representative for the Pan African Chamber of Commerce, I've watched too many diaspora professionals left out of investment conversations. That's a mistake. The Gulf is doing the opposite. Investors are tapping diaspora talent — especially in fintech, logistics, and health tech — because they know how to navigate both worlds. Nigerian-Americans, for example, are among the most educated and economically active US immigrant communities. But their insight rarely informs US-Africa strategy. A smarter approach would bring them in — not as symbolic advisers, but as partners driving capital and execution. Don't sleep on agribusiness Africa's food economy is expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, according to the African Development Bank. The Gulf is already investing in agritech, cold storage, and processing — not just for African markets, but to secure its own food systems. The US, despite its global leadership in agricultural tech, has been largely absent. That's a lost opportunity. Trump's team should prioritise cross-border agricultural ventures tied to AfCFTA — projects that generate jobs and deliver returns for US investors. AGOA is no longer enough China is now moving to offer African countries tariff-free access to its market — just as America's African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is set to expire in 2025. AGOA has had an impact, but it hasn't shifted supply chains or brought in the long-term capital Africa needs. In some cases, it's even delayed the push toward more sustainable and competitive industries. Africa now needs a new framework — one that supports value-added production, regional integration, and smarter financing to reduce risk for investors. If Trump wants to create something meaningful in the US, he should look to the playbook of sovereign wealth funds like Abu Dhabi's ADQ or Saudi Arabia's PIF — both deeply invested in Africa, both thinking long term. The bottom line Over two decades working across US, and African markets, I've learned this: Africa doesn't need more handouts. It needs real partners. The Gulf got that early. China moved even faster. The US still has a shot — but only if it brings capital, consistency, and a clear strategy to the table. Doing business in Africa isn't without risk — as DP World experienced when Djibouti's government seized control of a container terminal it had built and operated, prompting international arbitration where the logistics giant was awarded $200 million in damages. But the investment landscape is changing. More African leaders are increasingly thinking like investors. Rwanda secured a 60 per cent investment from Qatar Airways in its $1.3 billion international airport — and likely a stake in its state airline. Etihad, meanwhile, has signed a codeshare deal with Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, connecting Abu Dhabi to most capitals on the continent. Both are smart plays — linking the Gulf to fast-growing economies and underserved aviation markets, with long-term returns for Doha and the UAE. Trump talks a lot about winning. In Africa, the next frontier for global growth, winning starts with showing up — and staying the course. The writer is a US-based global business strategist and Founder of Teba Connects.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Somaliland's Rising Strategic Role in U.S. Oil and Military Policy
Oil bulls have finally found some relief as crude prices rallied to multi-month highs, driven by escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, which continue to trade attacks in one of the region's most volatile periods in recent years. As of Tuesday morning, Brent crude for August delivery had surged $9 from a week earlier to reach $75 per barrel, with WTI following suit. Prices, which had remained under pressure much of the year due to concerns over oversupply and flagging demand, are now being buoyed by the specter of widening geopolitical instability, even in the absence of major supply disruptions. Much of the market's anxiety centers on potential threats to the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea shipping routes, both of which are critical chokepoints for global oil flows. Recent negotiations have aimed to reduce the risk of major disruptions, but traders remain on edge. Amid these uncertainties, a lesser-known but strategically vital player has begun to attract growing attention: Somaliland. In April, U.S. forces reportedly used Somaliland's coastline as a staging area for operations targeting Houthi positions in Yemen. Somaliland, a self-declared republic of around 5 million people in the Horn of Africa, has maintained relative stability for over three decades, complete with functioning institutions and regular democratic elections. However, it remains unrecognized internationally, as Washington has long adhered to a "one Somalia" policy. That stance may be shifting, with some policymakers in Washington reportedly contemplating a influential policy blueprint, Project 2025, advanced by the Trump administration, suggests that formal recognition of Somaliland could serve as a hedge against growing Chinese influence in neighboring Djibouti. Djibouti hosts the only permanent U.S. military base on the African continent but has also become a key node in China's Belt and Road Initiative, hosting Beijing's first overseas military base. Its location at the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait makes it a prized maritime asset. "The U.S. and other international partners may soon have to rethink their stance on Somalia," Somaliland's new president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, recently told The Guardian. "We are a partner in security, in counter-terrorism, and in ensuring safe marine routes for global commerce," he added. There is also speculation that Somaliland's recognition may come before 2028 as the Trump administration recalibrates its Africa policy. Recognition could have far-reaching implications beyond geopolitics. The United Arab Emirates, through DP World, has invested over $400 million to modernize Berbera Port, which includes constructing a highway connecting Somaliland to landlocked Ethiopia. Ethiopia, in turn, has signed a memorandum of understanding that some analysts believe signals its willingness to recognize Somaliland's independence—a move that has triggered diplomatic tensions with Somalia and Egypt, who oppose Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project. Beyond its strategic location, Somaliland's untapped hydrocarbon potential has also caught the attention of international investors. Norwegian firm TGS previously estimated that the Somali basin—which encompasses parts of Somaliland's onshore and offshore territories—could hold up to 30 billion barrels of oil. However, exploration efforts remain hampered by regional instability and security concerns. British-Turkish firm Genel Energy acquired exploration rights back in 2012 but has faced setbacks and been forced to suspend activities in certain areas due to emerging threats. As global supply chains grow increasingly fragile, the international community may find itself compelled to reconsider Somaliland's status—not merely as a diplomatic footnote, but as a critical node in securing oil flows and countering rising instability in some of the world's most volatile regions. By Alex Kimani for More Top Reads From this article on
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Baby Cheetah Named Taylor Swift Meets Her Love Match in Another Orphaned Cub Named Travis Kelce
A cheetah cub named Taylor Swift has made a new friend — a cub named Travis Kelce The two cubs met at the Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre in Somaliland "Not only is [cub Taylor Swift] thriving, it looks like we have a little Love Story unfolding on the savannah," the center's staff said in a statementCheetah cub Taylor Swift was named for the music superstar after the baby animal was rescued from the illegal wildlife pet trade. Now, she's made a friend with a familiar name! In April, the Cheetah Conservation Fund saved the orphaned cub and moved her to its Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre in Somaliland. Taylor Swift, who only weighed three pounds when she arrived, adapted well to the safe, new home. Now, things have gotten even cozier at Taylor's new abode. The Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre recently welcomed four new cubs, all siblings. Fellow orphans from the illegal wildlife trade, the new cubs on the block were introduced to Taylor Swift shortly after they settled in. Taylor made fast friends with the cubs, including forming an especially close bond with one of the males of the inseparable group. Once the cheetah center noticed the bond between Taylor and the 5-month-old newcomer, it decided to name the male cheetah cub Travis Kelce. According to the center, Travis Kelce, the cheetah, is "playful, confident, and has a winning streak," like his namesake. "Not only is [cub Taylor Swift] thriving, it looks like we have a little Love Story unfolding on the savannah," the centre's staff said in a statement, adding, "The two have become nearly inseparable—grooming each other, napping side by side, and occasionally partaking in friendly roughhousing." The male cub's "rookie stats," per the statement, include a sitting height of about 50 cm, a length of about 90 cm, and the special skills of "climbing trees, running fast [and] scarfing down snacks." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The young male cheetah is also "fiercely protective of the things he likes most," including Taylor Swift, the cheetah cub. Read the original article on People
Russia Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
The US is about to hit ‘Add to cart' on another forever war
In spring 2025, Somalia, the easternmost country in Africa, offered to give the US control over two crucial ports and two airbases. However, all four sites are located in two self-declared, unrecognized regions – Puntland and Somaliland – that remain effectively outside the control of the federal government in Mogadishu. In March, a letter from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to US President Donald Trump was leaked to the press. In the letter, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud offered Washington exclusive control over the airbases in Balidogle and Berbera, as well as the ports of Berbera and Bosaso. The proposal is believed to enhance US military and logistical presence in the Horn of Africa, and aid in the fight against the jihadist group Al-Shabaab – an affiliate of Al-Qaeda – which has recently escalated its offensive operations against government forces. 'These strategically positioned assets provide an opportunity to bolster American engagement in the region, ensuring uninterrupted military and logistical access while preventing external competitors from establishing a presence in this critical corridor,' the letter states. The Somali government cited rumors of Al-Shabaab's growing ties with Yemen's Ansar Allah movement (Yemen's Houthis), against whom the US is engaged in a conflict in the Red Sea. At the end of April, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused the Houthis of supporting terrorist groups in Somalia, claiming that Somali intelligence had intercepted shipments of explosives and drones from Yemen. Mohamud's proposal was strongly opposed by Somaliland, which has operated as a de facto independent state since 1991, but has not been officially recognized by any other country. Somaliland's foreign minister, Abdirahman Dahir Aden, described the actions of the Somali federal authorities as a 'desperate' attempt to maintain relevance on the global stage. 'They can do nothing to prevent Somaliland's impending recognition,' Aden wrote on social media. Later, in an interview with Reuters, he said, 'The USA is not stupid. They know who they need to deal with when it comes to Berbera port.' Mohamud's offer came in response to reports concerning alleged negotiations between Washington and Somaliland's presidential administration regarding a potential deal to officially recognize the African state in exchange for establishing a military base near the port city of Berbera on the Red Sea coast. In mid-March, citing sources, the Financial Times reported that these discussions were part of Trump's plan to relocate Palestinians from war-torn Gaza to countries in East Africa and create what he called a 'Middle Eastern Riviera' in Gaza. 'These are very tentative, initial contacts,' the publication's source noted. The possibility of controlling the Berbera base puts the Trump administration in a difficult position: It could either strike a deal with Mogadishu, which would undoubtedly spark conflict between the Somali government and Somaliland, which effectively controls the port, or move toward recognizing the self-declared state, severing ties with the federal government of Somalia. Berbera is strategically located along the vital Gulf of Aden, one of the world's key shipping routes. The city hosts an international airport with one of Africa's longest runways – measuring 4,140 meters – which was built by the Soviet Union in the mid-1970s. At one point, NASA leased the airstrip as a backup landing site for its space shuttles. In recent years, DP World logistics company from the UAE renovated the port, but it currently remains unused. Somaliland, which effectively governs the Berbera port, is an enclave with a population of around 5 million people. During the colonial era, the region was a British protectorate. On June 26, 1960, it gained independence for just five days but then merged with the Trust Territory of Somaliland under Italian Administration to form the Somali Republic. However, Somaliland did not stop fighting for independence; on May 18, 1991, in the middle of the Somali Civil War, which continues to this day, it unilateraly declared independence. Since then, Somaliland has operated as a de facto state with its own government, army, and institutions. It has its own currency and passport and independent domestic and foreign policies. The region has held several presidential elections to date. Despite the lack of international recognition, Somaliland has managed to maintain internal stability and establish partnerships with foreign countries, including the UAE. In its capital, Hargeisa, consulates and diplomatic missions from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Taiwan, the UK, and EU are present. In its foreign policy, the government of Somaliland pursues one primary goal: International recognition. It came closest to achieving this goal in early 2024 when it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopia, granting the latter access to the sea via the Berbera port in exchange for potential recognition of the self-proclaimed state. This rapprochement with Addis Ababa has brought the region to the brink of a renewed conflict, with neighboring countries like Egypt potentially getting involved. If the deal with Washington for leasing the port and runway in Berbera is concluded, Somaliland will finally have its long-awaited opportunity to attain statehood. Locals believe that support from a powerful global player like the US could attract significant foreign investment, enhance diplomatic and defense ties, and ultimately end the region's international isolation. On the flip side, recognizing Somaliland could further destabilize the region and upset allied countries such as Egypt and Türkiye, as well as the African Union (AU), creating a precedent for separatist movements across Africa. Mogadishu's proposal to the US also mentions the port of Bosaso, located in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region of Somalia. Bosaso is a rapidly growing city with a population of around 500,000. The city's seaport was built in the 1980s, and it boasts an international airport that has been modernized by the Dubai-based Lootah Group. The UAE maintains military and logistical facilities in both Berbera and Bosaso as part of agreements with the regional authorities. Puntland is also de facto an independent state that provides access to the Gulf of Aden. On March 31, 2024, amid a constitutional crisis in Somalia, Puntland's authorities announced they would no longer recognize the federal government based in Mogadishu and would withdraw from Somali federal institutions. They declared that Puntland would function as an independent state until a federal government is formed and a constitution is approved in a referendum in which Puntland would take part. While Puntland's leadership has not publicly commented on the potential deal between Washington and Mogadishu, it's easy to see how this move could exacerbate tensions with the Somali government, especially if it proceeds without consultation with the local authorities. Meanwhile, the militant group Al-Shabaab launched an offensive in the Middle Shabelle province of southern Somalia in February 2025 and has made significant territorial gains, threatening the capital region and pushing Mogadishu to seek increased support from the US, Türkiye, and the AU. The situation is worsened by ongoing attacks by Islamic State-Somalia, particularly in the northeastern region of Puntland. The unstable internal situation in the country is contributing to the success of these terrorist groups. In the Hiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, attacks by Al-Shabaab have surged by around 50% compared to last year. Militants have managed to capture several strategic towns and locations, while government forces are overstretched, battling terrorists on multiple fronts. On March 18, the groups unsuccessfully attempted to assassinate President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu as his convoy headed to the capital's international airport to join troops on the front lines in Hirshabelle state. Since 2022, the government's counterterrorism strategy has relied on international support and forging alliances with clan militias operating in areas controlled by Al-Shabaab. However, this approach has proven unreliable due to the continuous recruitment of new militants and the involvement of allied clans in political struggles. Despite the tough international sanctions imposed against it, Al-Shabaab boasts a substantial military budget. Some analysts believe that the group generates a significant portion of its revenue through customs duties, forced taxation, extortion in the territories it controls, and illicit trade in livestock, sugar, charcoal, drugs, and other goods. The situation has been further complicated by clashes that erupted in December 2024 between federal forces and military factions from the semi-autonomous Jubaland region, sparked by the recent presidential elections. During these conflicts, hundreds of Somali soldiers, including members of the elite Gorgor special forces trained in Türkiye, either surrendered or fled toward the Kenyan border, while Jubaland fighters seized strategic locations in the region, including the port of Kamboni. Amid this precarious security environment, piracy off the coast of Somalia (which had been curbed by US, EU, and NATO naval patrols) has resurged since 2023. Over the past two years, Somali pirates have been involved in numerous incidents. Meanwhile, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which began its operations on January 1, 2025, aims to bolster the Somali Armed Forces in their fight against Al-Shabaab but, like its predecessors, faces significant financial challenges. In April 2025, the US openly rejected a UN proposal to fund AUSSOM, casting doubt on its future activities. The US argues that Somalia is not an appropriate testing ground for the proposed 'hybrid' funding model, which would allow UN assessments to cover up to 75% of AUSSOM's budget. Ethiopia's involvement in the mission is also uncertain due to tensions stemming from the Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland in 2024. While relations between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa have improved with Turkish assistance, they remain fragile. Since the start of Trump's second term, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has significantly ramped up airstrikes against both Al-Shabaab and local Islamic State affiliates. These attacks are typically coordinated with the Somali National Army and Puntland Security Forces. This trend highlights the inability of the US to assist the local authorities in addressing the terrorist threat, despite nearly two decades of military involvement in the region. In April, the New York Times reported that the territorial gains made by Al-Shabaab in central and southern Somalia prompted discussions within the US State Department about potentially closing the embassy in Mogadishu and withdrawing much of the American staff. Many officials in the US recalled Washington's foreign policy failures, particularly in Afghanistan. Nevertheless, an increase in airstrikes targeting militant strongholds indicates that the US still favors military solutions. The struggle to defeat terrorists has led the Somali government to strengthen its military cooperation with Türkiye. Shortly after a recent attack, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud traveled to Ankara to discuss bolstering their partnership in the fight against Al-Shabaab with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Türkiye has been an ally of Somalia since the early 2010s and is now seeking to position itself as a key regional power in the Horn of Africa. In Mogadishu, it operates its largest overseas military base, Camp TURKSOM, and a recent agreement with Somalia allows for the deployment of up to 5,000 personnel from the SADAT International Defense Company. In comparison, the US has only around 500-600 servicemen stationed in Somalia, as it aims to cut costs by limiting troop deployments and relying mainly on Somali and other African forces. In the past few years, the US has also trained, equipped, and funded an elite Somali unit known as Danab, which consists of 3,000-5,000 soldiers. In February 2024, it was announced that Mogadishu and Washington signed an agreement for the construction of military centers in five cities across the country to enhance the capabilities of the Somali Armed Forces. While the federal government struggles to contain the threat posed by Al-Shabaab, the regional governments of Somaliland and Puntland have been quite successful in combating terrorist groups. Unlike Mogadishu, Hargeisa has successfully resisted the infiltration of Islamists, preventing them from establishing a foothold in the region. As part of Operation Hilaac, since November 2024, Puntland's regional forces have regained control over several towns captured by Islamic State-Somalia. These types of achievements make the regions attractive partners for collaboration. The US currently operates the Camp Lemonnier base in Djibouti under a lease which is in effect until 2034 (and may be extended further). This is the largest US military base on the African continent. By accepting Mogadishu's proposal, Washington could expand its presence in the Gulf of Aden and strengthen its position against its main competitor – China, which established its own naval support facility in Djibouti in 2017. However, ongoing negotiations between Washington and Somaliland regarding its recognition as a sovereign state in exchange for establishing a military base suggest that the US may not be interested in collaboration with Mogadishu. Recognizing this, in December 2024, Somalia signed a contract with an American lobbying firm to bolster its relations with the US. Even if Washington agrees to Hargeisa's offer without officially recognizing Somaliland as an independent state, the region would still benefit significantly, as a deal with such a major power would de facto imply its recognition. However, this move could jeopardize the efforts of the central government in Somalia to combat extremist groups that rely on external support. Moreover, Mogadishu is currently grappling with increasing defiance from two federal regions – Puntland and Jubaland; the official recognition of Somaliland might encourage other countries to acknowledge its sovereignty, setting a precedent that could lead to further decentralization. Consequently, the fate of Somalia – a nation already torn apart by endless conflict, political strife, and social instability – will largely depend on America's decision.
Associated Press
12-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
DP World's Water Stewardship: Driving Global Impact From Source to Sea
Water is foundational to life, and to the flow of trade. More than three-quarters (80%) of global trade occurs at sea, and 40% of the world's jobs are powered by water-reliant sectors (e.g., agriculture, fishing, tourism). But access to reliable water systems is far from universal – half the world's population faces severe water scarcity, and 0.5% of the earth's water is freshwater. At DP World, we prioritize sustainable water stewardship that protects critical ecosystems and ensures clean, equitable water access for the communities where we operate. Our Framework to Safeguard the World's Water Through our Source to Sea framework, we are creating a truly sustainable Blue Economy that: From Theory to Action: Sustainable Water Projects in our Communities We have a deep commitment to improving water infrastructure in the communities where we operate. In Berbera, Somaliland, we deployed four Atmospheric Water Generators producing over 300,000 liters of clean drinking water annually, while local infrastructure upgrades increased the community's water supply by 60%. On Puna Island in Ecuador, over 150,000 mangrove seedlings are being planted to protect against sea-level rise, nurture marine life, and preserve livelihoods tied to fishing. In Niassa Province, Mozambique, we're investing in climate-resilient WASH infrastructure, reaching over 13,500 people through healthcare centers. Partnering on a Global Scale We are scaling these efforts through strategic partnerships. With WaterAid, we've launched a three-year initiative to expand WASH programs to other water-stressed regions. By 2030, DP World will invest over $5 million in WASH programs, aiming to benefit more than 250,000 people globally. As a signatory of the CEO Water Mandate and a founding member of the Water Resilience Coalition, DP World is embedding water stewardship into every layer of our operations. Water intersects every sustainable development goal – from health and gender equity to climate resilience and biodiversity. At DP World, we'll continue to show what's possible when businesses buy in to protecting our shared water future. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from DP World
