Somalis Rethink Trade Routes as Houthis Disrupt Shipping Channels

Somalia's business community seeks alternative shipping routes due to disruptions in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Hormuz, impacting trade with Asia and Gulf ...

Editorial Desk

September 14, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Mogadishu, Somalia — Somali businesses are exploring new shipping routes as tensions in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz disrupt traditional trade channels. The region’s instability has prompted companies to seek alternative pathways for importing goods from Asia and the Gulf.

The Mogadishu Seaport, under the direction of Ambassador Mohamed Ali Nur, has taken steps to mitigate these challenges. Nur mentioned that the port has started receiving cargo directly from Sri Lanka, marking a shift in supply chain strategies due to regional conflicts. This move aims to bypass the volatile areas affected by the ongoing hostilities.

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The recent escalation in Yemen has led to a surge in displaced people, with over 85,000 individuals fleeing the conflict since the start of the month. As a result, neighboring Djibouti has seen an influx of refugees. Meanwhile, at Mogadishu’s seaport, cargo ships continue to unload essential goods, highlighting the city’s reliance on maritime trade for daily necessities.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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