Vision 2060 Creates Long-Term Investment Legal Framework

Somalia’s Development Framework Points to Investment Law Changes

The recent Joint Steering Committee meeting on May 14, 2025, between Somalia’s Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development and the UN reveals important developments for foreign investment in our country. Minister Mohamud A. Sheikh Farah and UN Deputy Special Representative George Conway discussed the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework implementation, which directly affects how foreign investment laws will develop.

This framework is not just diplomatic conversation. It creates the foundation for legal changes that foreign investors must understand. When Somalia aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, our government must modify existing laws to meet international standards. This means foreign investment regulations will change to support these development priorities.

The Vision 2060 initiative announced during this meeting represents Somalia’s commitment to long-term legal stability. In my 40 years of legal practice, I have seen how such national visions translate into concrete legal reforms. This initiative will guide the next National Transformation Plan, which typically includes foreign investment law revisions.

Practical Effects for Investors and Businesses

Based on these developments, I expect several changes in Somalia’s investment landscape:

• Regulatory alignment with international standards will make investment procedures more predictable
• Legal framework improvements to support sustainable development goals
• Enhanced protection mechanisms for foreign investors as part of international cooperation
• Sector-specific opportunities in areas that support Vision 2060 objectives

The UAE-Somalia diplomatic activities mentioned in recent reports also suggest that bilateral investment treaties may be under discussion. Such agreements typically create more favorable conditions for investors from partner countries.

Foreign businesses should prepare for these changes now. The UN Cooperation Framework period runs until 2025, meaning new regulations will likely emerge as Somalia develops its next transformation plan. Companies considering investment in Somalia should engage legal counsel familiar with both current laws and upcoming reforms.

My assessment is that Somalia is creating a more structured approach to foreign investment. The government’s focus on international partnerships and long-term planning indicates serious commitment to legal reforms that will benefit foreign investors. However, businesses must stay informed about specific regulatory changes as they develop.

I recommend that potential investors monitor official announcements from the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development and maintain contact with local legal counsel to navigate these evolving opportunities effectively.

Sources

• https://somalia.un.org/en
• https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/de27cdcc-c0a8-4154-ad07-99eb4767497f/WorldEnergyInvestment2025.pdf
• https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2025/5/14/14-5-2025-UAE-macedonia1
• https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news25_e/news25_e.htm
• https://www.lloydsbanktrade.com/en/market-potential/uzbekistan/investment