Somalia Showcases Mineral Resources at China Import Expo

GOOBJOOG NEWS | SHANGHAI: Somalia is showcasing its mineral resources at a major international trade exhibition in China as the government seeks to attract foreign investment and expand commercial opportunities beyond its traditional export sectors.

A federal delegation led by Trade and Industry Minister Jamaal Mohamed Hassan is attending the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which opened in Shanghai on Thursday and runs until November 10.

The Somali delegation includes officials from the country’s economic ministries and the Office of the Prime Minister. It is using the exhibition to present Somalia’s natural resources, with particular emphasis on metallic minerals, gemstones and industrial minerals found across different parts of the country.

The participation marks Somalia’s debut in the expo’s country exhibition, providing an opportunity to introduce the country’s products and investment potential to Chinese businesses and international buyers. Organisers say this year’s event has attracted 4,142 overseas exhibitors, with participants from 162 countries, regions and international organisations.

Somalia is seeking to translate its natural resource potential into investment, employment and greater domestic production. Its mining sector, however, remains largely underdeveloped, with limited industrial-scale extraction despite the presence of various mineral deposits. A 2025 assessment of the country’s mining policy framework described mineral production as a marginal contributor to the economy, highlighting the gap between resource potential and actual exploitation.

The government has been working to develop a regulatory framework for the sector and attract international companies capable of supporting exploration, extraction and processing. Turning mineral deposits into commercially viable projects will require investment in infrastructure, technical capacity, transparent licensing and effective regulation.

The exhibition also comes against the backdrop of expanding economic ties between Somalia and China. The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations since 1960, while bilateral trade has included Chinese exports of machinery, electronics and manufactured goods, alongside smaller Somali exports such as fish, sesame and other commodities.

By presenting its mineral resources and other economic opportunities in Shanghai, Mogadishu hopes to attract business partnerships, diversify exports and strengthen Somalia’s position in international markets.