UNIDO ITPO Italy and ITPO Germany, in close collaboration with the UNIDO Somalia Programme team (IET/AGR/AIB), played a key role in mobilizing 15 European companies for the 1st International Conference on Agri-Value Chains Investments in Somalia, co-hosted by the European Union and the Somali Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. This marks the largest European business delegation ever to attend an investment-focused conference in Somalia, highlighting the growing interest in the country’s rapidly developing agri-food sector.

The conference, officially opened by His Excellency Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and led by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI), took place from October 1st to 2nd, 2024, at the AIA Airport Hangar in Mogadishu. Under the theme “Fostering Agri-Partnerships for Investment and Market Access”, the event aimed to promote international collaboration and investment, driving growth and profitability in Somalia’s agricultural sector.

H.E. Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Maareeye), Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing Somalia’s potential in agricultural development: “Somalia is rich in natural resources and boasts the longest coastline in Africa, providing an ideal environment for investment. This conference is a vital step towards feeding our people and positioning Somalia as a key food exporter, contributing to sustainable development and economic growth.”

Key government representatives, along with ambassadors from the European Union, Italy, Sweden, and officials from organizations like The World Bank and FAO, were among the event’s distinguished speakers. The conference brought together foreign companies, local agribusinesses, farmers, civil society representatives, and Somalia’s international partners, showcasing a wide range of local and global stakeholders.

The European delegation, which included companies from Italy and Germany, represented sectors such as agricultural machinery, water treatment, sustainable energy, and seed production. Their participation highlighted the potential for long-term cooperation in Somalia’s agri-food value chain.

Several presentations were delivered by representatives from Italian companies, further strengthening ties between European businesses and Somalia’s private sector. Notable presentations included:

• Mr. Emanuele Zobbi, Export Area Manager at Argo Tractors SpA, who highlighted Argo Tractors’ innovative agricultural machinery solutions.
• Mr. Andrea Magnano, CEO of NABU srl-Dunia srl, who shared insights into NABU’s sustainable development projects in the region.
• Mr. Renato Marai, Collaborator at SUBA Seeds, who discussed the role of seed production in enhancing Somalia’s agricultural value chains.
• Mr. Valerio Domenici, Marketing & Sales EMEA from CNHI International SA, who showcased the successful partnership between Case IH and Gaalooge, emphasizing how this collaboration supports agricultural mechanization in Somalia.
• Mr. Maximiliano Perre, co-founder of Rubenia Srl (Platatine), who emphasized the company’s core values of fostering a family-oriented work environment and sourcing raw materials directly from their native origins to support rural cultivation communities.

This event marks a significant milestone in fostering sustainable public-private partnerships, enabling Somali entrepreneurs to connect with international partners. With agreements signed, policy discussions held, new technologies exhibited, and B2B meetings leading to promising collaborations, the conference represents a major step forward in advancing sustainable economic growth in Somalia’s agricultural sector, benefiting both European investors and Somali enterprises.