HOBYO, SOMALIA, Construction and development work at Hobyo Port along Somalia’s central Indian Ocean coastline is moving forward as the federal government and regional partners seek to position the new seaport as a key hub for regional and international trade. Cranes, heavy machinery and construction teams have begun shaping the port’s infrastructure, drawing investment and attention to its strategic location between the Middle East, East Africa and South Asia. Local officials describe the project as a catalyst for job creation, improved import‑export capacity, and stronger ties with neighbouring markets.
The port’s advancement comes amid broader efforts by Somali authorities to modernize maritime infrastructure and expand trade corridors with landlocked nations such as Ethiopia, which seeks reliable access to the sea for goods moving to global markets. While Hobyo currently handles smaller cargo, planners envision a deep‑water facility capable of handling larger vessels and container traffic a move that could relieve congestion at other regional ports and enhance Somalia’s role in global logistics networks.
Analysts note that the project also reflects Somalia’s growing engagement with foreign investors and partners, including Turkish engineering firms and potential collaborations on logistics and maritime governance. If completed on schedule, Hobyo Port could help diversify trade routes in the Horn of Africa, attract new commercial activity, and strengthen economic resilience in a country long rebuilding its trade infrastructure after years of conflict.