In Davos, African President Pitches Business Deals to Trump’s Son Eric

The president of Somaliland used the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos this week to seek international recognition for his self declared state and promote investment opportunities, including during discussions with Eric Trump, the son of U.S. President Donald Trump.

President Muse Bihi Abdi attended the annual gathering of global political and business leaders as part of a broader push to position Somaliland as a stable and investment-ready destination in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government, has operated with its own government, currency, and security forces for more than three decades but remains unrecognised internationally.

According to officials familiar with the meetings, President Bihi highlighted opportunities in infrastructure, energy, logistics, and ports, stressing Somaliland’s strategic location along key Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping routes. He also emphasized the territory’s relative political stability compared to the wider region, presenting it as a reliable partner for Western investors.

The engagement with Eric Trump came as part of informal discussions aimed at attracting U.S. private sector interest rather than formal government to government negotiations. Somaliland’s leadership hopes that greater business engagement could eventually translate into diplomatic recognition, particularly from the United States and its allies.

Somaliland has previously secured major foreign investments, including a port development deal with DP World at the port of Berbera, which has become a central pillar of its economic strategy. The government argues that increased international trade and investment would strengthen regional security and economic integration in East Africa.

While Somaliland continues to lobby for recognition, Somalia’s federal government maintains that the region remains an integral part of the country. International powers have so far supported Somalia’s territorial integrity, though analysts note that Somaliland’s long-standing stability keeps the recognition debate alive.

The Davos appearance underscores Somaliland’s determination to use global economic platforms to advance its political and economic objectives, even as formal recognition remains elusive.