Question 1

What is the Israel-Somaliland Friendship Society & Trade Forum?

Accepted Answer

A chamber-of-commerce-style network, established in 2025, that connects business people, entrepreneurs, experts, and investors around one goal: turning the new Israel–Somaliland relationship into working businesses. We open doors to the right people in both countries, provide timely market information, and organize events and business expeditions to Somaliland.

Question 2

Is this a political or a commercial organization?

Accepted Answer

Commercial. The Society is an economic bridge, not a political movement — our focus is trade, investment, and development. We naturally work alongside officials in both governments, because business in a new market runs through them, but we represent our members' business interests.

Question 3

Who can join?

Accepted Answer

Everyone is welcome to apply — companies and individuals, from Israel, Somaliland, or anywhere else, with a serious interest in the Israel–Somaliland economic bridge. Applications are reviewed by the Society and membership is granted at our discretion. The Partner With Us page is the place to start.

Question 4

Who funds the Society?

Accepted Answer

The Society is a private, independent initiative — it is not funded or directed by any government. Its work is carried by its founders and members.

Question 5

Somaliland isn't recognized by most countries. What does that mean for doing business there?

Accepted Answer

Somaliland has governed itself since 1991 — with its own currency, courts, security forces, and peaceful democratic elections — and in December 2025 Israel formally recognized it, the first UN member state to do so. In practice, serious international business already operates there: DP World runs the Port of Berbera under a long-term concession, and Ethiopian trade flows through it. Recognition matters for treaties and diplomacy; it has not stopped companies from signing enforceable contracts and building profitable operations.

Question 6

Is Somaliland safe to visit and work in?

Accepted Answer

Somaliland has maintained internal stability for more than three decades — a striking contrast to its region — with peaceful transfers of power and functioning institutions. Like any frontier market it rewards preparation: travel with local partners, follow official guidance, and do proper due diligence. Connecting members to trusted people on the ground is a core part of what the Society does.

Question 7

Which sectors are the biggest opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Our members focus on six: livestock (the economy's backbone, a $300M+ export trade), agri-tech & water, mining, energy, fintech & telecom, and construction. Each has a dedicated deep-dive on our Sectors pages, with researched numbers, sources, and concrete ways in.

Question 8

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Two ways, and both take minutes: register through the Partner With Us page and tell us who you are and what you're looking for — we'll connect you to the right people. And download the government-issued Somaliland Investment Guide from our Resources page for the full picture of the market, regulations, and practicalities.

Frequently Asked Questions