04–05 August 2026 | Mogadishu, Somalia
OPONE participated in the 1st Somalia Maritime Conference (SMC2026), a landmark national event that brought together government leaders, policymakers, diplomats, development partners, private sector representatives, researchers, and maritime professionals to discuss the future of Somalia’s maritime sector.
Convened by the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, the conference marked an important step in strengthening national dialogue around maritime governance, security, trade, investment, and the sustainable development of Somalia’s Blue Economy.
OPONE was represented at the conference by Mohamed Osman Abdulkadir, Chairman, and Abdirashid Hassan Mohamed, Partnership Lead, who participated in discussions and networking sessions with key stakeholders from across Somalia’s maritime ecosystem.
As an emerging Somali enterprise dedicated to advancing ocean-based economic opportunities, OPONE was pleased to be part of this historic gathering. The conference provided an opportunity to engage with government institutions, development partners, industry leaders, and fellow private sector actors, exchange perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing Somalia’s maritime sector, and strengthen relationships that will support the country’s growing Blue Economy.
Throughout the conference, participants explored a broad range of strategic issues affecting Somalia’s oceans and coastal economy. Discussions focused on strengthening maritime governance, enhancing maritime security, expanding maritime transport and trade, promoting sustainable fisheries, encouraging private sector investment, and developing a comprehensive policy framework to guide the future growth of the sector.
The event also highlighted the increasing recognition of Somalia’s maritime domain as one of the country’s greatest strategic and economic assets. With Africa’s longest mainland coastline and abundant marine resources, Somalia is uniquely positioned to expand ocean-based industries that generate employment, stimulate investment, strengthen food security, and contribute to long-term national development.
For OPONE, participation in SMC2026 reflects our commitment to supporting the responsible growth of Somalia’s Blue Economy through collaboration, innovation, and private sector engagement. We believe meaningful progress will depend on strong partnerships between government institutions, businesses, coastal communities, academia, and international partners. Platforms such as the Somalia Maritime Conference play an essential role in fostering dialogue, encouraging investment, and identifying practical solutions to the challenges and opportunities facing the maritime sector.
We commend the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport for successfully organizing Somalia’s first national maritime conference and for creating an inclusive platform that brings together diverse stakeholders committed to advancing the country’s maritime ambitions. The Ministry’s leadership in convening this historic event and advancing the development of Somalia’s maritime policy framework represents an important milestone for the sector.
OPONE looks forward to continuing its engagement with partners across the maritime ecosystem and contributing to initiatives that support sustainable ocean development, responsible fisheries, maritime innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
As Somalia continues to strengthen its position as a maritime nation, OPONE remains committed to supporting a future where the country’s oceans become a lasting source of opportunity, resilience, and shared prosperity.
