Israel has scored a strategic win after the Republic of Somaliland agreed to grant it access to parts of Berbera Port and Berbera Airport, key facilities along the Red Sea that serve as vital hubs for trade and regional security.
In a statement on March 12, it invited Israel to establish a presence at Berbera, its strategic gateway to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea.
“Israel, you are invited to establish your presence at the Republic of Somaliland’s Berbera, gateway to the Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea,” the Republic of Somaliland statement read in part.
The Republic of Somaliland said Berbera Airport is noted for having the longest runway in Africa, while Berbera Port is considered one of the world’s most strategic deep-water ports.
The corridor through Berbera handles approximately 15% of global trade, 30% of global container traffic, and 10% of global seaborne petroleum.
Somaliland has emphasised that the partnership aims to strengthen security ties and promote mutual economic prosperity.
“Let’s forge security ties and mutual prosperity,” it noted.
Israel Becomes First Country to Recognize Somaliland, Launching Strategic Ties
On December 26, 2025, Israel became the first country and first UN member state to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign nation, ending over 34 years of international non-recognition since its 1991 declaration of independence from Somalia.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced mutual recognition and the establishment of full diplomatic relations, including plans for embassies, ambassadors, and cooperation in agriculture, health, technology, the economy, and security.
“I announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. Together with Foreign Minister Sa’ar and the President of the Republic of Somaliland, we signed a joint and mutual declaration,” Netanyahu said.
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On January 6, 2026, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Hargeisa, marking the first high-level Israeli trip to Somaliland. He met with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) to discuss strategic partnerships, regional stability, and activation of bilateral agreements.
In early 2026, Somaliland appointed Mohamed Hagi as its ambassador to Israel. Bilateral talks have accelerated toward a formal trade agreement, with Somaliland offering access to key minerals.
The 2026 national budget reflected a “Recognition Dividend,” accounting for revenue gains from increased international legitimacy and potential foreign investments.
Somaliland’s Berbera Gateway: Strategic Port and Trade Hub
Somaliland’s Berbera Gateway refers to the modernized Port of Berbera, a key logistics and trade hub on the Gulf of Aden. It serves as the main seaport for Somaliland and a critical entry point for landlocked Ethiopia.
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Since 2016, DP World (UAE) has held a 51% stake in the port following a $442 million deal. The Somaliland government owns 30%, while Ethiopia is a major investor via the Berbera Corridor. British International Investment (BII) supports ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
The port’s capacity has tripled to 500,000 TEUs per year, handling containers, bulk goods, livestock (about 4 million heads annually), and general cargo.
Upgrades include a 1,050-meter quay for Triple-E vessels, modern cranes, a Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), and a reduced turnaround time from 64 to 25 hours.
New shipping routes link Jebel Ali (UAE) to Berbera via Aden and Djibouti, offering an alternative to Djibouti port for Horn of Africa trade.
By 2035, the port is expected to contribute 27% of Somaliland’s GDP and 8% of Ethiopia’s GDP.
