Investing in Somalia in 2026
Sub-Saharan Africa
5
Score
High Risk Investment Destination
Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss
Somalia earns an investment score of 5/100, placing it in the high risk category for global investors. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. The country's standout dimensions are growth potential (10/100) and economic health (5/100), with overall GDP of $8B and per-capita output of $450. Growth is running at 2.8% with 4.0% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is contained at 6.5%. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Telecoms (sector score 32/100, currently growing), which represents 5% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 55% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Somalia is with the global economy.
How Somalia's investment score has evolved over time
Telecoms
5% of GDP, growing
Livestock
40% of GDP, stable
Fisheries
3% of GDP, stable
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Somalia a safe country to invest in?
Somalia carries a high risk risk rating with an overall investment score of 5/100. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. Sub-scores: economic health 5/100, political stability 2/100, business climate 5/100, financial strength 5/100, growth potential 10/100.
What is Somalia's sovereign credit rating?
Somalia holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Somalia?
The top investment sectors in Somalia are Telecoms, Livestock, Fisheries. Telecoms leads with a sector score of 32/100 and represents 5% of GDP. Its current trend is growing.
What is Somalia's GDP growth rate?
Somalia's most recent GDP growth was 2.8%, with total GDP of $8B and GDP per capita of $450. Inflation is running at 6.5% and the current account balance is -8.0% of GDP.
How does Somalia score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Somalia scores: political stability -2.5, rule of law -2.3, corruption control -1.8, and regulatory quality -2.0.
Can foreigners invest in Somalia?
Most industries in Somalia are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Somalia?
Foreign Direct Investment in Somalia runs at 4.0% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 55%. These figures show how integrated Somalia is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Somalia?
Somalia's government debt stands at 35% of GDP. This is a relatively conservative debt load, supporting fiscal flexibility.