Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies

Nonprofit, independent, nonpartisan institute for scholarship regarding the Horn of Africa region

[Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies @HornPolicy]

🇺🇸🌍 Nairobi Business & Diplomatic Briefing | Lead-Up to the 2026 U.S.–East Africa Trade & Investment Conference

The Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies (MNIHAS) convened a high-level Business & Diplomatic Briefing in Nairobi as part of the lead-up to the 2026 U.S.–East Africa Trade & Investment Conference (Djibouti | February 4–6, 2026).

The briefing brought together ambassadors, government officials, private-sector leaders, chambers of commerce, diaspora entrepreneurs, and development partners to strengthen dialogue on U.S.–East Africa trade and investment.

Discussions focused on mobilizing participation for the 2026 Conference in Djibouti, advancing commercial partnerships, and collaboration across priority sectors including logistics, infrastructure, agriculture, finance, energy, and education.

[Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies @HornPolicy]

🌍 Gateway to Opportunity: U.S.–East Africa in a Changing Global Economy

📅 February 4–6, 2026 | Djibouti City
🇺🇸🇩🇯 Hosted by MNIHAS in partnership with the Embassy of Djibouti in Washington, D.C. 

The 2026 U.S.–East Africa Trade & Investment Conference will bring together U.S. and East African government leaders, business executives, investors, and development partners to strengthen trade, investment, and regional economic cooperation.

Located at the crossroads of East Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe—and home to the only enduring U.S. military base in Africa—Djibouti offers unmatched strategic and commercial advantage.

Click here to learn more!

https://t.co/N5x4kwUYxq

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Today, the Chairman received the U.S - Djibouti Trade and Investment Mission delegation at Red Sea World.

They first visited the Doraleh Multipurpose Port, where they observed its operational capabilities and gained insight into its important role in facilitating regional and international trade.

Then, they were given a comprehensive presentation outlining the development vision and strategic goals of Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority.

The American delegation expressed significant interest in investing in the following sectors :
- Renewable energy,
- Tourism and Hotel industry,
- Medical Facilities,
- and Real Estate.

Djibouti is not a big market but serves a large market because of its location, soft power and political stability. It is also a gateway to a market of over 600 million people in the COMESA region, making it a strategic hub for trade and investment.
Djibouti offers 6 ports and 4 free zones.
It has zero taxes for export and 100 % foreign owned FDI.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is dead and Djibouti export is impacted at a 10 % tariff. How can we trade with the US?

These discussions emphasize the growing potential of Djibouti in various sectors. This visit also shows the strategic importance of the country as a regional trade and investment hub.

@omar_hadi
@AmbDoualeh

[Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies @HornPolicy]

U.S. - Djibouti Trade & Investment Mission (May 28 - 31, 2025)

The Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies (MNIHAS), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti in Washington, D.C., organized a U.S. – Djibouti Trade & Investment Mission from May 28th to May 31st, 2025.

The mission aimed to explore trade, investment, and partnership opportunities in Djibouti, a key strategic gateway in East Africa.

During the mission, the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce hosted the U.S. - Djibouti Forum, which brought together both U.S. and Djiboutian business leaders. The forum was attended by the Chairman of the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce, the Minister of Trade & Tourism, and Christopher Snipes, the Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti. Delegates from Minnesota, Ohio, Washington, and other U.S. states, totaling 26 participants, took part in the forum, further strengthening the collaboration between the two nations.

In addition, the delegation had successful meetings with Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Djibouti, the Secretary General of the Prime Minister’s Office, and the President of the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce, all of which enhanced the mission and contributed to building stronger ties between the U.S. and Djibouti.

[Mohamed Siad Doualeh @AmbDoualeh]

I am deeply grateful to President Trump @POTUS for generously hosting an Iftar dinner to mark the Holy Month of #Ramadan. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring our nations closer together. #USA #IslamicUmmah #Djibouti

[Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies @HornPolicy]

✨ A Night of Community, Learning, & Reflection ✨
It was truly inspiring to see the Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies host the 2025 Minnesota Iftar Dinner Celebration in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs, Augsburg University, and the Office of MN State Rep. Samakab Hussein.

The evening was a beautiful reminder of the values that bring us together—community, compassion, learning, and our shared humanity. Events like these strengthen our connections, foster a culture of understanding, and celebrate the rich diversity that makes Minnesota so special.

A heartfelt thank you to Gov. Tim Walz, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and elected officials from the MN Senate and MN House for joining us in this celebration. Your presence and support mean so much to our community.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and made this gathering possible! 🌙✨

[Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies @HornPolicy]

@SenAmyKlobuchar Thank you, Senator Klobuchar. It was an honor and privilege to participate in this meaningful event. Your presence and thoughtful speech truly exemplified the spirit of unity and community. 🌙✨

[Senator Amy Klobuchar @SenAmyKlobuchar]

It was great to join the Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies and the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs for an Iftar Dinner Celebration.

The evening was a reminder that what unites us is far greater than what divides us.

[Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies @HornPolicy]

Congratulations to Mohamoud Ali Yousuf on Your Election as African Union Chairman! 🎉🌍

Your leadership comes at a pivotal moment for our beloved continent. With your vision, dedication, and steadfast commitment to unity, we are confident that you will guide the African Union towards greater peace, prosperity, and progress.

May your tenure be marked by transformative initiatives, strengthened partnerships, and a brighter future for all Africans. Your success is Africa’s success! @ymahmoudali

[Ismail Omar Guelleh @IsmailOguelleh]

Congratulations to @ymahmoudali on his election as Chairperson of the African Union Commission. A proud moment for Djibouti and Africa.

I extend my sincere gratitude to the Heads of State for their trust and support. His leadership will serve Africa with dedication and vision.

[Mohamed Siad Doualeh @AmbDoualeh]

Pleased and honored to speak about opportunities for investment on the continent, #EastAfrica and #Djibouti. Djibouti is well on its way to become the next Singapore of Africa. It will soon be synonymous with Transport, Tech and Trade. https://t.co/BQyUwPxXBv

[Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies @HornPolicy]

🌍 Join us for the 2024 Minnesota East Africa Banquet! 🌍

We are thrilled to invite you to the 2024 Minnesota East Africa Banquet, taking place on October 26, 2024, from 5:15 PM to 7:45 PM at Norway House in Minneapolis, MN.

Opening Remarks:
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey will kick off the event with welcoming remarks, setting the stage for a celebration of Minnesota’s strong ties with East Africa.

Keynote Address:
Ambassador Mohamed Siad Doualeh of Djibouti will deliver a keynote, shedding light on the geopolitical and economic importance of East Africa. His address will emphasize the vast opportunities for trade, cultural exchange, and development with Minnesota.

Special Address:
Army Major General Stefanie Horvath, Assistant Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, will speak about Djibouti's strategic role as the host of the only permanent U.S. military base in Africa, underlining the military and security significance of U.S.-Djibouti relations.

Fireside Chat:
A dynamic panel discussion will explore economic and business opportunities between Minnesota and East Africa. Panelists, including Dr. John Pournoor (Government Analytica), Mathew Woodlee (U.S. Commercial Service), and Abdiwahab Mohamed (Minnesota DEED), will engage in a conversation moderated by Thomas Hanson on enhancing U.S.-Africa relations through community engagement and diaspora diplomacy.

Documentary Presentation:
Entrepreneur and tech innovator Abdurrahman Mohmud will present a documentary that highlights the economic contributions of Minnesota’s East African community, showcasing their impact on local and international markets.

Musical Performances:
Cultural performances will feature the Saint Olaf Somali-Scandinavia Music Collective alongside traditional East African/Somali musicians. The performances will celebrate the vibrant cultural heritage that links Minnesota with East Africa.

Register Here: https://t.co/PrmdtXWC4K

[Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies @HornPolicy]

Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect with companies looking for diverse talent like you at the Inclusive Hiring Event on Wednesday, July 17th at 2:00 PM! In Norway House Minneapolis. Link in bio for more details and to get tickets!
https://t.co/h0SpBPpLzz

[Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies @HornPolicy]

RT @HoACommunity: Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies (MNIHAS) 2024 East Africa Leadership Summit at Norway House was a huge succ…

[Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies @HornPolicy]

Join us on June 24th at Norway House in Minneapolis for the 2024 East Africa Leadership Summit! The Summit brings together leaders, policymakers, and East African diaspora leaders. This panel will highlight the Diaspora’s Transformative Contributions to the United States and Africa.

[Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies @HornPolicy]

H.E President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will give the opening remarks for our 2024 East Africa Leadership Summit.

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee will also deliver Keynote Speech and brief the community about U.S. Policy on the Horn of Africa.

Annette Weber, the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa will also join the conference virtually and update on the conditions of the Horn of Africa.