Israel–Somaliland Cooperation Is a Strategic Economic Opportunity Africa Cannot Ignore

Israel

Opinion: By Samuel Shay, Entrepreneur and Senior Economic Advisor to the Abraham Accords Treaty

The growing discussion around cooperation between Israel and Somaliland should not be viewed as a marginal diplomatic development. It represents a serious economic opportunity with implications far beyond bilateral relations. At its core, this cooperation offers a rare chance to design and implement a modern development model in Africa from the ground up.

Somaliland is a unique case on the African continent. It is a young political entity with internal stability, functioning governance, and a clear ambition to develop economically. Unlike many states, it is not weighed down by decades of dysfunctional economic systems, massive debt, or rigid legacy infrastructure. While it currently lacks large scale active exploitation of natural resources, this should not be mistaken for a lack of potential.

Geological indicators point to the existence of gold, rare metals, oil, and gas. More importantly, Somaliland holds strategic non extractive assets: a coastline positioned along key maritime routes, land suitable for advanced agriculture when supported by modern water systems, strong potential for aquaculture, and long term prospects for tourism. In today’s global economy, value is created not merely by owning resources but by managing them intelligently, processing them locally, and embedding them in sustainable economic systems.

One of Somaliland’s greatest advantages is precisely its clean starting point. Many African countries struggle to reform outdated models built around raw material exports and dependency on foreign aid. Somaliland does not need to dismantle such systems because they were never fully formed. This allows for the rapid design of modern agriculture, renewable energy grids, smart infrastructure, logistics corridors, and education systems aligned with real market needs.

Israel brings a highly relevant set of capabilities to this equation. It has built a resilient economy under conditions of scarcity, limited water, and constant security pressure. Its expertise in desert agriculture, water management, renewable energy, applied technology, infrastructure planning, and professional training is not theoretical. It is operational, scalable, and results driven. Israeli entrepreneurs are accustomed to working in complex environments and delivering measurable outcomes rather than symbolic projects.

The key point is that this cooperation should not follow the traditional aid model. What is required is partnership. Somaliland can provide political stability, regulatory clarity, land access, and a motivated local workforce. Israeli entrepreneurs can contribute capital, technology, and management. Strategic involvement from partners such as the United States or Gulf states can supply financial depth and political backing. This creates a structure in which all parties share risk, responsibility, and reward.

Several sectors stand out as immediate priorities. Agriculture can be transformed through modern irrigation, climate adapted crops, and professional training, enabling food security and export capacity. Water infrastructure, including desalination and smart distribution, is essential for both rural and urban growth. Renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, can provide energy independence and support industrial development. Tourism, developed responsibly, can generate long term income and employment. Ports, roads, and logistics hubs can integrate Somaliland into regional and global trade. Education and technological training are critical to building local human capital and reducing long term dependency.

Economic development is not an abstract concept. It is the foundation of stability, governance, and legitimacy. Jobs, skills, and income reduce internal tensions and strengthen institutions. For Somaliland, building a functioning economy is a prerequisite for long term recognition and sovereignty. For Israel and its partners, it is an opportunity to demonstrate a constructive and replicable development approach.

The broader significance lies in replication. Many African states already possess resources but fail to convert them into prosperity due to weak institutions and ineffective partnerships. Somaliland can serve as a controlled demonstration case. Success there would send a clear message across the continent: development is not about declarations, conferences, or aid flows. It is about cooperation between responsible governments and capable entrepreneurs, supported by international partners, focused on execution.

Israel – Somaliland cooperation has the potential to become a reference point for a new African development paradigm. It shows that a modern economy can be built quickly even from a minimal starting point, provided leadership, partnership, and implementation are aligned. If this opportunity is seized seriously, Somaliland’s success will not be an exception. It will be a model.

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