In a landmark move for its post-conflict economy, Somalia has formally launched the National Securities Exchange of Somalia (NSES), marking the first time the country has a fully-fledged national stock exchange. The initiative, unveiled in Mogadishu on 19 June, signals a significant shift toward financial modernisation and regional integration.
The inaugural bourse, established as a private, self‑regulatory body, is set to begin trading in early 2026 marking a pivotal step in the East African nation’s bid to attract capital, engage its diaspora, and integrate with regional financial systems. Driven by private investors, financial professionals, and the Somali Economic Forum, the NSES aims to modernize capital raising in key sectors such as telecommunications, banking, real estate, and energy.
During the launch, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre noted that the NSES “marks a new dawn” for Somalia’s economy. “We are opening the gates to investment, to entrepreneurship, to progress,” he said.
The exchange’s private, industry‑led model is designed to ensure independence while coordinating closely with government bodies, including the Central Bank and Ministry of Finance, in pursuit of transparent and credible market oversight.
“Somalia is open for business and is open for everyone. Somalia has started launching its Stock Exchange which we hope soon there will be a market whereby the somali people and our international partners can buy and sell the shares of their companies. That is the new Somalia in the horizon,” said H.E. Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Federal Republic of Somalia.
According to Pierre-Célestin Rwabukumba, CEO of the Rwanda Stock Exchange and President of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA), Somalia’s entrepreneurs have gained a crucial gateway to regional and international markets through their integration into the securities exchange network. This milestone linking cities from Mogadishu to Kigali is expected to drive economic growth and deepen financial integration across the continent.
As a member of the East African Stock Exchanges Association (EASA), NSES now links with counterparts in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania paving the way for cross-listings and deeper regional integration.
Somalia’s Finance Minister, Bihi Iman Egeh, said the stock exchange would play a vital role in enabling local businesses to raise capital while drawing in investment from the Somali diaspora and international markets. The launch forms part of wider structural reforms aimed at stabilising and modernising the country’s economy.
“This platform is not just about trading shares. It’s about trust, governance, and long-term confidence in Somalia’s economic future,” said NSES CEO Mohamed Osman Ali.
A notable feature of the bourse is its plan to issue government-backed, Sharia‑compliant sukuk (Islamic bonds). These instruments are tailored to fund large-scale infrastructure and development projects from roads and ports to energy systems while adhering to faith‑based financial principles.
“Establishing a securities market is not optional it is a critical step for any nation striving for economic development and long-term prosperity.” Said Hon. Mohamed Harun Abdullahi, Deputy Chair, Finance Committee, Federal Parliament of Somalia.
Recognizing the vital role of the Somali diaspora, the NSES has launched educational campaigns and is conducting roadshows in critical diaspora hubs including Kenya, Turkey, the UK, Norway, and the USA. These initiatives aim to promote financial literacy, raise awareness of investment opportunities, and foster trust among overseas Somalis.
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