Yinchuan, China – Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, currently on an official visit to China, toured the Ningdong Energy and Chemical Industry Base in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday, signaling Mogadishu’s ambition to build a modern energy sector that can drive industrialization and job creation.
Accompanied by Somalia’s Ambassador to China, the Prime Minister was briefed on the facility’s operations, which showcase China’s transition from traditional energy models toward diversified and cleaner sources of power. Ningxia has become a leading hub for energy innovation, blending industrial development with long-term sustainability goals.
Speaking to reporters, Prime Minister Barre described Ningxia as a “practical example” of how clear policy, innovation, and sustainable planning can transform energy and industry. He stressed that Somalia intends to learn from China’s experience as it implements its National Transformation Plan.
“Somalia is committed to building a modern energy sector, creating new industrial opportunities, and accelerating youth employment,” Barre said. “By leveraging advanced technology and foreign investment, we aim to lay the foundation for long-term economic growth.”
The visit followed a private meeting between Barre and Li Yifei, Party Secretary of Ningxia, where both sides discussed strengthening historical Somalia-China ties and expanding cooperation in energy, trade, and development.
Somalia’s delegation also highlighted the country’s untapped investment potential, including agriculture, fisheries, energy, and livestock. Officials believe that developing a strong energy sector is key to unlocking wider industrialization in a country still recovering from decades of conflict and underdevelopment.
Somalia currently relies heavily on expensive imported fuel and limited domestic electricity generation, leaving large parts of the population without reliable access to power. International partners, including China, have increasingly been courted as Mogadishu seeks foreign investment to modernize infrastructure.
By looking to models like Ningxia’s energy and industrial transformation, Somalia hopes to chart a path toward self-reliance, improved energy security, and greater economic opportunity. The initiative represents not only a step toward modernization but also a strategy to position Somalia as an emerging player in Africa’s renewable and industrial growth.
