In brief
- On 10 March 2017, Goobjoog News reported that Puntland planned to transfer Bosaso port to the UAE.
- The report cited Puntland Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairperson Mohamed Aydid Jama'a, who confirmed the plan and claimed a multimillion-dollar investment would expand the port.
- No official Puntland document, signed concession agreement, named UAE entity, or specific investment amount has been published.
On 10 March 2017, Goobjoog News reported that Puntland planned to transfer Bosaso port to the United Arab Emirates. The report, based on statements from Puntland Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairperson Mohamed Aydid Jama'a, said the regional state wanted to hand over management of its largest port to the government of the UAE. According to Goobjoog News, the UAE was "close to win a concession to manage and develop Bosaso Port".
Jama'a confirmed the plan to Goobjoog News. He said that if it succeeded, "an investment of multimillions is planned to expand the port infrastructure". He further claimed the deal would make Bosaso "a new hub" and increase trade and investment in Puntland and the Horn of Africa.
The report also noted that Puntland had started upgrading the port the previous year. Those works included building large oil storage with capacity for more than 250,000 barrels, three large warehouses, and large mobile elevators. Goobjoog News did not state whether those projects were complete or their cost and contractors.
The news came months after Somaliland signed a $442m deal for a Dubai-based firm to upgrade Berbera port. Goobjoog News reported that Bosaso is connected to UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Yemen through the Red Sea and has been an important commercial entry point since the central government collapsed in 1991.
What the report does not establish is what has happened since. No Puntland government document, signature, or formal decision confirming the transfer has been published. No concession agreement, contract terms, value, or date has been disclosed. No UAE government entity or company has been named. The "multimillions" investment remains without a figure, currency, funder, or commitment. The port upgrade and oil storage works started by Puntland have no stated budget, contractor, or completion status.
Frequently asked questions
Who confirmed the plan to transfer Bosaso port to the UAE?
Puntland Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairperson Mohamed Aydid Jama'a confirmed the plan, according to Goobjoog News.
What investment commitments are included in the plan?
The plan mentions an investment of multimillions to expand the port infrastructure, but no specific amount, funder, or commitment has been stated.
Has a concession agreement been signed?
No signed concession agreement has been reported. The news report states the UAE was close to winning a concession, but no agreement details are available.