Somalia and South Africa Forge Deeper Security and Trade Partnerships

Somalia, 20 January 2026 Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, held a telephone conversation today with the President of of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in the areas of security, trade, and investment, according to a statement issued by the Somali Presidency. The two presidents discussed opportunities to further enhance cooperation on peace and security, the promotion of trade and investment, and efforts to strengthen stability at the regional level and across the African continent. The discussions also addressed shared priorities related to economic cooperation and political coordination between Somalia and South Africa. The two leaders also exchanged views on key regional and continental developments, reaffirming their commitment to African unity, inter-African cooperation, and shared prosperity, the statement added. In recent years, Somalia has intensified efforts to expand its diplomatic engagement across Africa, with a focus on rebuilding state institutions, attracting investment, and strengthening security partnerships. South Africa, one of the continent’s largest economies, plays a prominent role in African Union peace and security affairs and maintains broad diplomatic engagement in the Horn of Africa. While no new agreements were announced, officials said the call forms part of Mogadishu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relations with key African partners and to position Somalia more actively within Africa’s political and economic landscape.