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Berbera Port: Somaliland’s modern maritime hub transforming East African trade and strengthening national sovereignty.
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Berbera’s port infrastructure, now one of the most advanced in the region, features a 1,050-metre quay with a 400-metre berth capable of handling Triple-E vessels, alongside bulk and breakbulk facilities and livestock handling for up to four million heads annually. The Berbera Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) complements these developments, attracting foreign investment and driving industrial growth throughout Somaliland and the Horn of Africa.
Ganesh Raj, Group Chief Operating Officer for Marine Services at DP World, described the route as a milestone that deepens the company’s commitment to Africa and creates new trade possibilities. He emphasized that the Jebel Ali–Berbera service enhances connectivity between the Middle East and East Africa while supporting the development of sustainable trade corridors. DP World’s 58.5% stake in Berbera’s container and general cargo terminal reflects the company’s long-term confidence in Somaliland’s potential as a reliable and strategically located trade partner.
Beyond port operations, DP World’s initiatives in Somaliland extend to community empowerment and renewable energy development, including training programs for women known as “Solar Mamas,” who have become certified solar-energy technicians. These initiatives highlight how infrastructure development can generate meaningful social and economic change.
Berbera’s emergence as a competitive trade alternative has reshaped the logistics landscape in the Horn of Africa. The Addis Ababa–Berbera Corridor, supported by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and the UK’s Department for International Development, includes major road upgrades such as the 250 km route to the Ethiopian border and the 22.5 km Hargeisa Bypass. These improvements have significantly expanded Berbera’s reach into regional markets and strengthened Somaliland’s economic independence.
Since DP World began operations in Berbera in 2017, the port’s performance has dramatically improved. Vessel productivity has risen by 450%, container volumes by 30%, and general cargo throughput by 90%. The port now handles over 14 container vessels monthly and has an annual capacity of 500,000 TEUs, with plans to expand this to 2 million TEUs in the coming years.
The launch of the Jebel Ali–Berbera route stands as both an economic and strategic achievement for Somaliland. It reflects the growing international recognition of Berbera’s role in connecting Africa, the Gulf, and beyond. With modern infrastructure, a stable government, and a clear vision for progress, Somaliland continues to establish itself as a reliable and sovereign partner in regional and global trade.
