As the United States looks toward the U.S.–Africa Leaders Summit in September 2025, one nation stands out as a vital opportunity: Somalia. This nation has long dismissed for its instability and now included in a list of countries included in a new U.S. “travel ban.” But Somalia is now poised to become a linchpin of prosperity and security in the Horn of Africa – if the U.S. engages. As a Somali-American diaspora leader, I have witnessed my homeland’s untapped potential firsthand. With Ethiopia and Eritrea on the brink of war, Sudan in chaos, and an Iran–Israel showdown looming, Somalia’s strategic importance has never been clearer. An American partnership with Somalia – grounded in mutual interests and an “America First” approach – can uplift Somalia while advancing U.S. economic and security goals.
Riches Beneath the Soil and Sea: Oil, Gas and Minerals
Beneath Somalia’s soil and off its shores lie vast energy and mineral riches. Studies indicate the country may hold at least 30 billion barrels of oil and gas – possibly far more as exploration expands – alongside untapped deposits of uranium and other minerals . Decades of conflict stalled their development, but new laws now aim to manage resource extraction transparently. American energy firms that once operated in Somalia before 1991 are eyeing a return. With improved security and investment, U.S. companies could help unlock these resources – securing new oil and gas supplies for America while Somalia gains infrastructure, jobs, and revenue. It’s a win-win: Somalia benefits from development and employment, and the U.S. gains a stable new energy partner outside the volatile Middle East, denying rivals a foothold in this frontier market.
Blue Economy Boom: Fisheries and the Longest Coastline in Africa
Somalia is a maritime nation blessed with the longest coastline in Africa (over 3,300 km) . Its exclusive economic zone of 832,000 km² harbors some of the continent’s richest fisheries , teeming with tuna, lobster, and other seafood. Yet Somalis reap little benefit as foreign trawlers illegally siphon off billions in catch . With investment in ports, processing facilities, and maritime security, Somalia could launch a blue economy boom. Sustainable fishing and seafood exports would feed the region, generate income, and provide tens of thousands of jobs for coastal youth – jobs that deter piracy and extremism. American partnerships in this sector would tap an abundant resource and establish a friendly presence along strategic maritime routes in the Indian Ocean.
From Breadbasket to Agribusiness: Feeding a Region
Agriculture is Somalia’s traditional backbone – it already employs the majority of Somalis – but years of unrest have left the sector far below its potential. Blessed with fertile soil and two perennial rivers, Somalia could grow ample cereals, fruits, and vegetables year-round with improved irrigation and techniques. Before state collapse, Somalia was even a major banana exporter; it can reclaim that status by revamping farms and infrastructure. Modern agribusiness investment – including by Somali diaspora and U.S. firms – can turn subsistence farms into commercial producers feeding not just Somalia but hunger-stricken neighbors. The payoff is food security, export revenue, and rural jobs that give young people an alternative to the lure of extremism.
Strategic Importance Amid Regional Instability
Across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, conflicts are multiplying – underscoring Somalia’s strategic value. Ethiopia and Eritrea are sliding toward war as Sudan’s civil strife rages on ; Iran-backed Houthi rebels strike ships in the Red Sea , and a potential Iran–Israel clash threatens to upend regional security and global trade . Amid this turbulence, Somalia stands out as an anchor of stability in the making. Somalia still battles al-Shabaab, but its pro-American government is determined to rebuild. Every dollar invested in Somalia’s economy – in oil, fish, or farms – strengthens governance, weakens extremist propaganda, and makes the region safer.
Moreover, investing in Somalia now preempts U.S. rivals. Beijing has a military base next door in Djibouti, Moscow is eyeing Port Sudan , and Tehran seeks footholds in the chaos . Bolstering Somalia gives Washington a friendly foothold at the Red Sea gateway, protecting a vital chokepoint and projecting American influence in a contested arena.
A Call to Action at the 2025 U.S.–Africa Summit
In this high-stakes moment, the U.S. must act with urgency. Somali diaspora leaders – who already send about $2 billion home in remittances – are doing our part, but only robust American engagement can catalyze transformative growth. The September 2025 U.S.–Africa Leaders Summit is an ideal moment to launch a bold U.S.–Somalia partnership – from infrastructure investment to human capital development. It’s not charity; it’s an investment in peace and profit. Every job created in Somalia is one less opening for extremists and one more link in a stable, secure supply chain.
Time is of the essence. Somalia’s window for a renaissance is open now, but the fires around it could yet engulf it if we fail to act. American leadership can ensure Somalia becomes a cornerstone of stability rather than the next domino to fall. The United States should seize this chance – at the summit and beyond – to solidify Somalia’s progress, helping Somalia chart a brighter future while also enhancing America’s security and prosperity in a volatile region.