Forums, trade missions and business outreach, and what comes next.
Programs
What the Council Has Convened, and What Comes Next
USSBC’s First US–Somalia Business Forum
The United States–Somalia Business Council (USSBC), in coordination with the US Embassy, launched its inaugural US–Somalia Business Forum in Kismayo, Jubaland State, marking an important step in renewed engagement between the two countries’ business communities after many years.
The forum brought together federal and state ministers, representatives of the Jubaland and Somali Chambers of Commerce, US companies, and the US Embassy’s political and economic affairs teams. Through keynote addresses, expert presentations, and panel discussions, participants explored investment opportunities across key sectors and examined the role of private enterprise in promoting economic growth, stability, and stronger US–Somalia commercial relations.
High-Level Bilateral Business Forum on the Sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
Building on the momentum of its launch in Kismayo, the USSBC convened a bilateral business forum in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The forum provided a platform for US and Somali business leaders, government representatives, and other stakeholders to strengthen commercial engagement, expand trade, mobilise investment, and identify opportunities for private-sector partnerships.
Discussions highlighted the importance of building investor confidence, strengthening commercial connections, and expanding opportunities for US–Somalia trade and investment. The meeting further reinforced the Council’s role as a bridge between government institutions and the private sector, supporting sustained economic cooperation and a stronger foundation for bilateral business relations.
US and Regional Trade Missions and Business Outreach
The USSBC has undertaken business outreach and trade-related visits to Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and Chicago in the United States. These engagements have provided opportunities to connect with businesses, explore commercial partnerships, and strengthen relationships across regional and international markets.
Through meetings and smaller business sessions, the Council has engaged companies and entrepreneurs on opportunities to access the US market, understand American products and services, and explore pathways for importing US goods and services. The outreach has also focused on helping businesses identify opportunities to export goods and services from the United States, develop cross-border partnerships, and build sustainable commercial relationships.
These engagements reflect the Council’s broader commitment to facilitating trade, connecting businesses with new markets, and strengthening commercial ties between Somalia, the United States, and the wider region.
What Comes Next
Building on its forums, business outreach, and international engagements, the USSBC aims to translate dialogue into practical commercial opportunities. Priorities include strengthening business-to-business connections, facilitating trade and investment, promoting partnerships in key economic sectors, and connecting Somali and US businesses with potential investors and market opportunities.
Through continued forums, trade missions, strategic partnerships, and private-sector engagement, the Council seeks to support a more connected business environment and contribute to long-term economic growth and stronger US–Somalia commercial relations.
