The Federal Government of Somalia has approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Egypt aimed at strengthening cooperation in maritime transport and port development. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration between the Egyptian Ministry of Transport and the Somali Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport.
The Federal Government of Somalia has formalized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Egypt on maritime transport and port development, following the port connectivity agreement between Cairo and Eritrea. The protocol establishes a framework for cooperation to develop port infrastructure, modernize maritime transport, strengthen institutional capacity, and support Somalia’s National Transformation Plan. The agreement also reinforces a strategic corridor stretching from the Gulf of Suez to the Gulf of Aden.
« Somalia is one of the most strategically important countries in the Horn of Africa because of its geographic location, facing the major maritime routes linking Africa and Asia. Through these agreements, it is seeking to strengthen its cooperation with Egypt, particularly to counterbalance Ethiopia’s influence amid ongoing regional tensions. Several foreign powers are also looking to establish or expand military bases in Somalia because of its strategic location. »
Hamidine Moctar KANE, Doctor of Economics and Economic Intelligence – Mauritania
This new regional architecture is unfolding against a backdrop of growing rivalry between Egypt and Ethiopia. Addis Ababa accuses Cairo of pursuing a strategy of « encirclement » aimed at limiting Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea. This rivalry is further compounded by the longstanding dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, reinforcing the perception of an Egypt–Eritrea–Somalia strategic axis capable of exerting diplomatic, economic, and military pressure on Addis Ababa.
“Behind the agreements concluded between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia lies a broader reshaping of the regional balance of power in response to Ethiopia. As an emerging power in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia has raised concerns over its regional ambitions, particularly its pursuit of access to the sea and its growing influence over maritime affairs.”
Hamidine Moctar KANE, Doctor of Economics and Economic Intelligence – Mauritania
The regional security landscape is also undergoing significant change. Egypt is strengthening its military presence in Somalia as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which has an authorized strength of nearly 11,800 personnel. Egypt’s contingent officially comprises 1,091 troops, compared with 2,500 Ethiopian soldiers. This deployment is complemented by a bilateral defense agreement signed in August 2024, as well as arms deliveries, military training, and joint military exercises.
« We need cooperation, solidarity, and development. It is in this spirit that Africa can move forward and become an indispensable player in global development, for the benefit of its people and the international community as a whole. »
Hamidine Moctar KANE, Doctor of Economics and Economic Intelligence – Mauritania
The Red Sea offers major economic and strategic opportunities for both Egypt and Somalia. In February 2026, Cairo announced a USD 1.1 billion luxury real estate project in Ain Sokhna, aimed at transforming the city into an international destination for conference tourism and yachting. Meanwhile, Somalia, located at the entrance to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, has significant potential in the blue economy, port infrastructure, and hydrocarbon exploration. With more than 3,000 kilometers of coastline among the richest fishing grounds in Africa the country is well positioned to capitalize on its maritime resources.
