Berbera Economic Vision
The strategic position of Berbera port is crucial for the regional economic growth of the Horn of Africa and beyond. Berbera port is located on the Gulf of Aden, which connects the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, and serves as a gateway to the Suez Canal. Berbera port has the potential to become a major hub for trade and transit between Africa, Asia and Europe, as well as a regional logistics center for humanitarian and development assistance.
Berbera port offers several advantages over other ports in the region, such as its deep-water berths, its proximity to major shipping routes, its access to a large hinterland market, and its political stability and security. Berbera port also benefits from the recent development of road and rail infrastructure that links it to Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia. Moreover, Berbera port is part of the Belt and Road Initiative, a global network of infrastructure projects that aims to enhance connectivity and cooperation among countries along the ancient Silk Road.
Berbera port can contribute to the regional economic growth by facilitating trade and investment, creating jobs and income, enhancing competitiveness and productivity, and fostering regional integration and cooperation. Berbera port can also play a key role in supporting the post-pandemic recovery and resilience of the region, by ensuring the smooth flow of essential goods and services, promoting digitalization and innovation, and addressing environmental and social challenges. Therefore, it is important to recognize and support the strategic position of Berbera port as a catalyst for regional economic growth.
Berbera Port and Berbera Economic Zone (BEZ) are two ambitious projects that aim to transform Somaliland into an integrated maritime, industrial and logistics hub for the Horn of Africa. These projects are jointly developed by DP World, a global ports operator based in Dubai, and the Government of Somaliland.
Berbera Port is strategically located along one of the world’s busiest sea routes, connecting Asia, Africa and Europe. BEZ is located 15 kilometers from the port along the Berbera to Wajaale road, which connects to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. The economic zone offers a range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for investors and businesses. These include exemption from corporate tax, duty free storage of goods, 100% foreign ownership and a one-stop shop for registration and licensing requirements.
BEZ is modelled on Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), DP World’s flagship project in Dubai, which hosts more than 8,000 companies from over 140 countries. BEZ aims to attract similar industries such as manufacturing, logistics, trade and services. It also provides access to a market of more than 140 million people in the Horn of Africa region.
The integration of Berbera Port and BEZ is expected to create significant economic benefits for Somaliland and the region. It will enhance trade flows, foreign investment and job creation. It will also support Somaliland’s vision to become a stable, prosperous and democratic country .