The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, through its Diaspora Department, announces the second annual Somaliland Diaspora Week, taking place from 2–6 August 2026 under the theme "Multi-city Roadshow: Connecting Local Roots to Global Recognition."
This expanded multi-city roadshow will strengthen Somaliland-diaspora partnership and collaboration for national development, bringing bring together hundreds of global Somaliland diaspora professionals and entrepreneurs, more than twenty central government MDAs, local governments, private sector corporate entities, investors (including diaspora-invested businesses) , civil society organizations, academic institutions, members of relevant legislative committees, development partners, and international stakeholders.
The 2026 edition of the Diaspora Week comes at a pivotal moment for Somaliland, with renewed international attention creating fresh opportunities for investment, sustainable development, and global engagement, while reinforcing the indispensable role of the Somaliland diaspora in shaping the country's future. Serving as a national platform, the initiative mobilizes diaspora capital, knowledge, expertise, and global networks to advance long-term development priorities.
The week will open in Hargeisa on August 2nd with a Presidential Address and will continue through August 3rd with high-level panel discussions on both days. The Hargeisa program will focus on strengthening public-private partnerships, expanding investment opportunities, advancing urban development, promoting digital governance and public service delivery, and exploring the role of diaspora diplomacy, natural resources, and inclusive leadership in Somaliland's development. The roadshow will move to Borama on August 4th, where the program will highlight opportunities for diaspora investment in agriculture, mining, tourism, entrepreneurship, and knowledge-driven growth, while exploring mechanisms for strengthening local investment frameworks. Activities will proceed in Burao on August 5th, focusing on livestock value chains, industrial development, export competitiveness, and regional economic transformation. The multi-city approach reflects Somaliland's commitment to inclusive local and regional development by ensuring that diaspora engagement and investment opportunities extend beyond the capital.
The week will conclude in Hargeisa on August 6th with a high-level closing ceremony, the Diaspora Recognition Awards Gala Dinner, and cultural performances co-sponsored by the Hargeisa Municipality, celebrating outstanding contributions from members of the Somaliland diaspora in investment, entrepreneurship, advocacy, innovation, youth leadership, women's leadership, culture, and national development.
Now serving as the Government's flagship platform for diaspora engagement, Somaliland Diaspora Week aims to formalize investment frameworks, strengthen knowledge transfer, promote innovation, and deepen partnerships between Somaliland and its global diaspora.
Members of the Somaliland diaspora wishing to participate are encouraged to register online
using valid international identification at https://sldiaspora.org/diaspora-week.
For further information, please contact +252-63-8880240 or info@sldiaspora.org
Diaspora Department, MoFAIC
Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland