The 2nd edition of the “Italy-Somalia Business & Trade Forum”, organized within the framework of the "Somalia Economic Conference" of UNIDO Somalia, was held in Mogadishu on 30th and 31st May 2023.

Objective of the event was to promote Somalia as an emerging business destination for Italian and international companies, encouraging the development of synergies and collaborations in various focus sectors — such as agriculture, fishing, livestock, poultry, dairy and construction — in terms of trade, concession agreements, technology transfer and foreign direct investment.

More specifically, UNIDO ITPO Italy supported the participation in the Forum of several delegates of Italian companies, who also had the opportunity to take part in informative roundtables, matchmaking and B2B sessions, and meet international partners to discover new business opportunities.

The conference welcomed more than 450 participants including high-level officials of the Somali government, both federal and member states, United Nations agencies, European Union representatives, Italian and international companies, the Somali private sector, associations and donors, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of business opportunities and international collaborations for the development of the Somali private sector.

The Italian Ambassador in Somalia, His Excellency Alberto Vecchi, also joined the event as panelist and recalled the deep-rooted relations between Italy and Somalia. «Italians», said the Ambassador, «when they come to Somalia they feel at home. This happens above all thanks to the hospitality of the Somali people and the special relationship they still maintain with Italy». The Ambassador also highlighted the potential of Somalia to become one of the most important economic and commercial hubs in the world, thanks to its strategic geographical position, at the crossroads of one of the busiest sea routes in the world, and «Italy», said Vecchi, «will definitely stand by its side».

As key results and indicators of the success of the Forum, the Italian company Argo Tractors announced the start of a cooperation with the Somali Moumin Group of Companies, new representative of Landini in the market, to add value to the farm mechanization process in the country. Moreover, Case IH/CNH Industrial also highlighted the consolidation of the partnership with Gaalooge in Somalia thanks to UNIDO. Case IH supports the modernization and mechanization of farming in Somalia, and with its Case IH Academy it creates economic opportunities and jobs in the agricultural sectors, particularly among women and young people. The other Italian companies also attending the event presented their technology and services, among which Genius Watter, Acquedotto Pugliese and BonelliErede during the panel session “the importance of the AfCFTA for the future of trade in Somalia and the African continent”.

The initiative was part of the project “Productive Sectors Development Program for Somalia” (PSDP) — implemented by UNIDO with the support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF).