Somaliland President Says Davos Appearance Boosted Global Profile

By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter

Somalia, 24 January 2026 – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi ‘Irro’, has said his participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos marked a major diplomatic milestone for the self-declared republic, helping raise its international profile and attract global investment interest.

Speaking during an extraordinary meeting of Somaliland’s Council of Ministers, on Saturday, Irro said the Davos forum was the first time Somaliland had ever taken part in the annual gathering of world leaders, senior policymakers and international investors.

“The president briefed the cabinet that Somaliland’s presence in Davos placed it firmly on the global political and investment stage,” a statement from the presidency said.

According to the statement, Irro used the forum to deliver messages portraying Somaliland as peaceful, stable and democratic, and as a territory open to foreign investment and ready for international recognition. He also held meetings with foreign politicians, business leaders and international media organisations on the sidelines of the event.

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The President told ministers that Somaliland’s engagement in Davos helped establish new high-level international contacts and strengthened confidence in its political stability and strategic importance in the Horn of Africa and along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping routes.

Irro said the diplomatic gains from Davos should now be translated into concrete action, including steps to strengthen national security, social cohesion and efforts toward international recognition.

Members of the Council of Ministers praised the President’s participation, describing it as a strategic national achievement that could expand Somaliland’s political influence and economic opportunities abroad.

Somaliland has operated as a de facto independent state since 1991 but remains unrecognised internationally except Israel.

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Somaliland President Says Davos Appearance Boosted Global Profile

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