Canada-Somalia relations
On this page
- Bilateral relations
- Trade relations
- Development and humanitarian assistance
- Partnerships and organizations
Bilateral relations
Canada first established diplomatic relations with Somalia in 1968. These relations were subsequently suspended after the collapse of the Somali government in 1991. Following the establishment of the Federal Government of Somalia in 2012, Canada re-established diplomatic relations with Somalia in 2013 and is represented by its High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya.
In early 2019, Canada began a program of enhanced bilateral cooperation with Somalia. This enhanced cooperation is focused on advancing the human dignity of the poorest and most vulnerable through investments in education and health, promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and enhancing inclusive governance. This builds on Canada’s previous work with the international community, helping Somalia to stabilize and rebuild. Canada continues to support Somalia in its efforts to build capacity in key economic institutions and to develop sound macroeconomic policies through the International Monetary Fund’s Somalia Trust Fund.
Since 2019, Canada has disbursed more than CAD $11.7M in counter-terrorism programming to East Africa, including in Somalia to address the threat of violent extremism.
Canada and Somalia are linked by our strong people-to-people ties. Canada hosts one of the world’s largest Somali diaspora communities. Many Somali-Canadians have strong links to Somalia, and some returned to hold senior positions in Somalia’s federal and regional governments.
Trade relations
Canada’s trade in goods with Somalia is relatively small. In 2023, two-way merchandise trade totalled $3.6 million, with exports of $3.2 million and imports of $390,400. Canada’s leading exports consisted of machinery and parts, as well as protein concentrates. Canada’s imports from Somalia were mostly essential oils, sea cucumbers and construction equipment.
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Development and humanitarian assistance
Canada’s international assistance to Somalia is significant, amounting to $78 million in disbursements through all channels in 2022-23.
Bilateral development assistance to Somalia is expected to reach $9M in 2024-25 and targets three of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy Action Areas: advancing the human dignity of the poorest and most vulnerable through investments in education and health; promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; and enhancing inclusive governance.
Canada is also a significant donor of humanitarian assistance in Somalia, responding to needs arising from the impact of decades of conflict and insecurity, as well as chronic natural disasters. In 2023, Canada allocated a total of $41 million in humanitarian assistance funding to the UN, Red Cross/Red Crescent, and non-governmental organization partners to support populations affected by crisis in Somalia. Canada’s funding helps to provide food, treatment for acute malnutrition and other critical health care, as well as access to clean water and sanitation, emergency shelter and essential household items, and the provision of protection services to those in need.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Somalia work closely in multilateral forums, such as:
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
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