At a forum known for shaping global agendas behind closed doors, Somaliland used its presence at Davos to advance a clear message: the region is ready for recognition, investment, and a greater role in global affairs.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi leveraged the World Economic Forum to make the case for Somaliland’s legitimacy as a stable and investment-ready region in East Africa. Central to his pitch was the Berbera deep-sea port, strategically positioned along one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Among Abdullahi’s high-profile engagements was a closed-door meeting with Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump, alongside Isaac Herzog, whose country became the first United Nations member to recognize Somaliland last month. Discussions focused on foreign investment opportunities and deeper international engagement.

The outreach reflects a shift in Somaliland’s long-standing strategy. After more than three decades of de facto independence and relative stability, the region is no longer content to wait for recognition. Instead, it is actively courting global powerbrokers, investors, and political allies, using its strategic geography and economic potential to demand a seat at the global table.