The Fisheries Sector Stakeholder Engagement Forum was convened on 25 July 2026 at the Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu, jointly organized by Magan Forum and the Somali Marine Resource Research Center (SMRRC), under the theme “Somali Fisheries Stakeholder Engagement: Opportunities and Challenges.” The Forum brought together more than 250 participants representing the Federal Government of Somalia, research institutions, seafood exporters, boat owners and fishing cooperatives, financial institutions, development partners, academia, civil society, and the media, marking one of the most broadly representative stakeholder dialogues convened on Somalia’s fisheries and blue economy agenda to date.
The purpose of the Forum was to establish a structured, evidence-based platform for dialogue among the principal actors in Somalia’s fisheries value chain, to jointly identify the policy, institutional, and operational constraints holding back the sector, and to chart a practical pathway toward a well-governed, inclusive, and internationally competitive blue economy. The Forum combined opening remarks from senior government and institutional leaders, a technical and research presentation on the status and potential of Somalia’s marine resources and endangered species, a moderated multi-stakeholder panel discussion, and an open floor session with participants.
Major discussions centered on five inter-related themes: (1) the governance and policy environment required to unlock private investment and curb illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; (2) the state of scientific knowledge on Somalia’s marine resources and the research-to-policy pipeline; (3) the barriers seafood exporters face in accessing premium international markets; (4) the reluctance of banks and financial institutions to finance fisheries enterprises and the products needed to change this; and (5) the urgent need to conserve endangered marine species; including sharks, rays, turtles, and cetaceans, alongside efforts to expand harvest and processing capacity.
Agenda
| Time | Speaker | Category |
| 07:00–07:30pm | Dhamaan Ka Qeybgalayaasha | Imaanshaha iyo soo dhoweynta |
| 07:30–07:32pm | Quran – Liibaan Cabdi Cali | Furitaanka |
| 07:32–07:40pm | Gudd. Hay’adda Cilmibaarista Badaha Soomaaliyeed, Admiral, prof. Farax Qare | Kelmed Soo dhoweyn iyo ujeedka madasha |
| 07:40–07:48pm | Gudoomiyaha Golaha Sare ee Madasha Magan Maxamed Maxamuud Caddow | Kelmed Soo dhoweyn iyo ujeedka madasha |
| 07:48–07:55pm | Maareeyaha Dekedda Muqdisho. Moxamed Calinor Ameriko | Kaabayaasha dekedaha kalluumeysiga |
| 07:55–08:10pm | Wasiirka Kalluumeysiga iyo dhaqaalaha buluugga ah, DFS Axmed Xassan Aadan | Kelmadda Furitaanka madasha |
| 08:10– 08:15pm | Soo jeedinta Cilmi barista | Soo jeedin, Cilmi baris: Kalluunka Soomaaliya: Fursadaha iyo caqabadaha |
| 08:15pm –09:55pm | Axmed Caynab, agaasimaha Madasha Magan | Daadihinta Dood-wadaagga: Kalluunka Soomaaliya: Fursadaha iyo caqabadaha 1. Gud. Cabdiraxiim Warsame 2. Dr. Xuseen Cali Axmed 3. Cali Ibrahim 4. Dr. Cabdicasiis Xusen Xassan |
| 10:10pm–010:20pm | Wasiirka wasaaradda dekedaha iyo gaadiidka badda Cabdulqaadir Moxamed Nuur | Warbixin guud, xaaladda kalluumeysiga Soomaaliya: fursadaha iyo caqabadaha xiritaanka |
| 10:20pm–010:30pm | Daawashada muuqaalka | |
| DHAMMAAD |
Speakers and Panelists
Gallery
Report
On 25 July 2026, Magan Forum and the Somali Marine Resource Research Center (SMRRC) convened over 250 stakeholders in Mogadishu for the Somali Fisheries Stakeholder Engagement Forum.
The Forum explored opportunities and challenges across Somalia’s fisheries sector, with a focus on investment, governance, exports, financing, and marine conservation.
Download the full Forum Report: English Version
Download the full Forum Report: Somali Version