Somalia's private sector has long been one of the most entrepreneurial in Africa — building telecoms networks, mobile-money systems, banks, airlines and a construction boom largely on its own. Since 2023 a series of milestones has made the country far easier to engage with for foreign investors and lenders.
Why now
- Debt relief. In December 2023 Somalia reached the HIPC Completion Point, unlocking about US$4.5 billion of debt relief. External debt fell from around 64% of GDP in 2018 to under 6% by the end of 2023, restoring access to international development finance.
- Regional integration. Somalia signed the treaty to join the East African Community in December 2023 and became a member in 2024, opening a market of several hundred million people. Integration of EAC rules into Somali law is ongoing.
- Trade rules. Somalia applied to join the World Trade Organization in 2015; its first Working Party meeting was held in February 2025 and a second is targeted for 2027. The government is aligning WTO accession with its EAC and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) commitments.
- A modern investment law. The 2015 Foreign Investment Law created a formal registration and protection regime. A new Investment Law (2025), with implementing regulations published in 2026, covers both domestic and foreign investment.
SOMINVEST: your first point of contact
SOMINVEST, the Somali Investment Promotion Office, sits within the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development. Its mandate is to promote investment, help investors enter and stay in the market, and advocate for better investment policy. Its four sections cover investment promotion, investment facilitation (including help with visas, tax and labour issues), country branding and research.
Address: Hussein Elabe Fahie Building, Afgoye Road, KM5, Mogadishu · Email: info@mop.gov.so · Tel: +252 61 504 0610.
How foreign investment is approved
- Prepare a business plan and choose the legal form of your business.
- Submit the Foreign Investment Application through SOMINVEST, with documents in Somali or English (translate others).
- On approval, receive a Certificate of Foreign Investment in an Approved Enterprise.
- Register the company online and obtain your licences and tax number — see Registering a business in Somalia.
The 2025 law and its 2026 regulations update these procedures. Confirm current requirements and fees with SOMINVEST before you apply.
Where the opportunities are
Fisheries, livestock, agriculture, renewable energy, telecoms and fintech, construction and logistics lead the government's investment pitch. See Investment sectors in Somalia for details.
Practical tips
- Work with an experienced Somali lawyer and accountant from day one.
- Meet partners in person — relationships and reputation drive business.
- Use our company directory, banks and meeting venues to plan your trip.
Official resources
- SOMINVEST — Somali Investment Promotion Office (Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development)
- Somali Business Registration System (SBRS) — online company registration
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry — licensing and business registration
- Central Bank of Somalia — licensed banks and money-transfer businesses
- Ministry of Finance — tax and customs
- World Bank — Somalia and IMF — Somalia — economic data and reports
- East African Community — regional trade rules
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Frequently asked questions
Who handles foreign investment in Somalia?
SOMINVEST, the Somali Investment Promotion Office within the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development.
Is Somalia a member of the East African Community?
Yes. Somalia signed the accession treaty in December 2023 and became an EAC member in 2024; integration of EAC rules is ongoing.
Did Somalia receive debt relief?
Yes. Somalia reached the HIPC Completion Point in December 2023, securing about US$4.5 billion in debt relief.