Business with the Horn – A case of looking through colanders

If has been fascinating to monitor the international media with regards to coverage of the Horn and East Africa over the last eighteen months. Assuming that editors are even prepared to give to run a story at all the stories have been depressingly predictable, ranging from stories of Somali pirates and militants, child soldiers and outbreaks of the Ebola virus in Uganda, and famine and inter-ethnic strive along the disputed border between South Sudan and its northern neighbour. The HABA region is no stranger to climatic and geo-political woes, but equally is beginning to attract serious interest as a gateway into Africa and as an emerging economic zone in its own right. Negativity and well-worn stereotypes apart, there has been a frisson of interest from those interested in hydrocarbons. Whilst thought of petro-dollars has excited some in the business press, the more discerning have noted serious investment in infrastructure along with signs of improved aviation links. IT, solar energy and livestock are all areas that look to have considerable potential. When it comes to the Horn rarely do journalists, analysts or policy makers see the whole picture, it is as if they appear to be looking at the region through colanders. For some risk, both perceived and actual risk frames every decision taken, while for others much of East Africa and all of the Horn is viewed as a forbidding terra incognito. What is required is a rational and informed approach to a part of Africa that is already proving a useful entry point into Central and Sub-Saharan Africa – HABA for its part is determined to help others to see more clearly. read more

Somaliland: open for business

The self-declared independent state in the north-west corner of conflict-ridden Somalia has been an oasis of calm, and it is now seeking foreign investment. 

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Amid the war-ravaged landscape of Somalia, the self-declared independent state of Somaliland has carved out a reputation for relative calm.

Last week’s London conference on Somalia made a nod to Somaliland, formerly a British protectorate, and the semi-autonomous region of Puntland. Without naming them, the final communique “welcomed the success in some areas of Somalia in establishing local areas of stability, and agreed to increase support to build legitimate and peaceful authorities, and improve services to people living in these areas”. read more

Growing with Guul Group

Guul Group

Somaliland is a region in Somalia that has asserted its status as a sovereign nation, although its status is not formally endorsed nor recognised internationally.  It is still viewed as an autonomous, self-governing region within the country that it belongs to.  It has taken its share of the turmoil and chaos that prevailed during the Somali Civil War, but presently it has not been much affected by the war between the Islamic insurgency and the Somali Transitional Government that is now ravaging the western part of the country.  However, it is now facing the threat of a breakaway state within it, resulting in recent violence.  Nevertheless, the region has been known for the self-assertive spirit that has defined its people and culture.  For this reason, Guul Group has embodied the independent aspirations of the region that it represents. read more