A Community Partnership Built on History, Trust and Shared Ambition
The relationship between Somaliland, Wales and the wider United Kingdom is rooted in more than 150 years of shared history.
Somali seafarers, many originating from Somaliland, began settling in British port cities during the nineteenth century, including Cardiff, Newport, Liverpool, London and South Shields. Cardiff’s Somali community is widely recognised as one of the longest-established African communities in Britain.
These pioneering seafarers made an important contribution to Britain’s maritime economy. They served aboard merchant vessels, supported international trade routes and contributed to the growth and prosperity of Britain’s major ports. Many settled in Cardiff’s historic docklands, particularly Butetown, where they established families, businesses, places of worship and strong community networks.
Over successive generations, the Somaliland and wider Somali community has continued to enrich Welsh and British society through public service, healthcare, education, transport, enterprise, local government, voluntary action and civic leadership.
This proud and enduring history provides a strong foundation for the modern relationship between Somaliland, Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
Although the Advocacy & Capacity Development Association (ACDA) was formally established in October 2023, its founder and directors bring more than three decades of dedicated community leadership, professional experience and active engagement across the United Kingdom and Somaliland.
Building on this strong and respected record, ACDA is proud to stand among the leading Somaliland community organisations in the United Kingdom. We play an energetic and positive role in strengthening mutual understanding, expanding cooperation and building lasting relationships between the people, communities and institutions of Somaliland, Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
Our directors, members and supporters maintain strong family, professional, institutional and community links with Somaliland. These deep-rooted connections give ACDA a distinctive understanding of the opportunities, priorities and aspirations of communities in Somaliland and across the United Kingdom.
Drawing on this experience and trusted network, ACDA brings people and institutions together to develop meaningful partnerships. Our work is driven by mutual respect, shared history and a firm belief that diaspora communities can make a powerful contribution to diplomacy, development, investment, education and international cooperation.
We are committed to turning established relationships into practical opportunities. ACDA works to strengthen links between governments, parliaments, local authorities, universities, schools, businesses, health institutions, professional bodies and civil society organisations.
By connecting trusted partners and promoting constructive dialogue, we help create relationships that support knowledge exchange, responsible investment, institutional development and community progress. Our role is to open doors, build confidence and ensure that the historic partnership between Somaliland, Wales and the wider United Kingdom continues to grow.
Strengthening Wales–Somaliland Relations
The relationship between Wales and Somaliland has developed through many years of community engagement, civic diplomacy and institutional cooperation.
ACDA’s founder, directors and members have played an active role in turning this shared history into visible civic and institutional progress. They were part of the community-led efforts that contributed to Cardiff Council’s recognition of Somaliland in 2012.
This was an important milestone. It reflected Cardiff’s longstanding relationship with its Somaliland community while acknowledging Somaliland’s achievements in peacebuilding, democratic development, stability and accountable government.
Since then, our leadership and members have continued to promote constructive engagement between Somaliland representatives, Welsh institutions, elected members, professionals and local communities.
We have supported opportunities for government representatives, parliamentarians, councillors, academics, business leaders, civil society organisations and community members to meet, exchange ideas and build lasting relationships.
This record demonstrates the value of community-led diplomacy. It shows how trusted relationships, consistent advocacy and practical cooperation can create new opportunities for mutual understanding and stronger institutional links between Somaliland, Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
Government-to-Government Engagement
ACDA and its leadership maintain constructive relationships across government institutions in Somaliland, Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
Over many years, our founder, directors and members have helped facilitate dialogue, introductions and engagement between government ministers, public officials, elected representatives and community leaders.
These relationships provide a valuable foundation for expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, economic development, investment, public administration, youth development, environmental protection and institutional capacity building.
Our strong links with Somaliland government ministries enable us to support credible, informed and respectful engagement with partners in Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
Effective government-to-government relationships must be developed carefully and sustained over the long term. They should be founded on trust, transparency, mutual respect and a clear understanding of the priorities and responsibilities of all parties.
ACDA seeks to complement official engagement by providing community knowledge, institutional experience, trusted connections and practical support. We believe diaspora organisations can serve as effective conveners, helping public institutions identify common priorities and develop partnerships that produce measurable and lasting benefits.
Parliamentary Links and Diplomacy
Parliamentary engagement is an important part of strengthening mutual understanding between Somaliland, Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
ACDA’s founder was instrumental in supporting the establishment of the Somaliland All-Party Parliamentary Group at the UK Parliament and has actively participated in its meetings and wider parliamentary activities.
This engagement helped create an important platform through which parliamentarians, Somaliland representatives, diaspora organisations and other stakeholders could discuss Somaliland’s democratic development, achievements, challenges, priorities and longstanding aspirations.
Through sustained parliamentary engagement, ACDA’s founder has contributed to raising awareness of Somaliland’s peaceful elections, democratic institutions, political stability, security, economic potential and commitment to accountable governance.
Our founder, directors and members have also supported dialogue involving Members of Parliament, members of the Senedd, government ministers, councillors, officials and community leaders.
Through meetings, briefings, public events and direct community engagement, we have sought to ensure that elected representatives receive balanced, accurate and constructive information about Somaliland.
We continue to encourage stronger institutional links between Somaliland’s Parliament and elected institutions in Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
Such relationships can support the exchange of experience in democratic governance, parliamentary procedure, public accountability, legislative development, representation, women’s political participation and youth engagement.
Parliamentary diplomacy offers a valuable channel through which elected representatives can build trust, develop a deeper understanding of Somaliland and identify shared areas of interest and cooperation.
ACDA remains committed to promoting informed, respectful and constructive parliamentary engagement that strengthens dialogue and supports lasting cooperation.
Local Government Cooperation
Local government links are equally important because councils and municipalities are closest to the communities they serve.
Our organisation has supported engagement between Somaliland local authorities and councils in Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
There is considerable potential for cooperation in areas such as municipal management, waste collection, urban planning, public health, environmental protection, community participation, local economic development and the delivery of essential public services.
We maintain constructive relationships with the Somaliland Local Government Association and other institutions working to strengthen democratic, accountable and effective local governance.
Cardiff’s historic relationship with its Somaliland community provides a strong foundation for developing further council-to-council, municipality-to-municipality and city-to-city partnerships.
Such partnerships can create opportunities for mayors, councillors, municipal officials, professionals and community organisations to exchange knowledge, share practical experience and develop joint initiatives.
Local government cooperation can also connect the skills, experience and resources of the Somaliland diaspora with local development priorities in Somaliland. It can help build professional networks, strengthen service delivery and encourage practical partnerships based on local needs.
Celebrating Somaliland’s Identity and Achievements
ACDA is proud to be among the leading community partners organising and supporting Somaliland flag-raising ceremonies and national celebrations in Cardiff.
These occasions are far more than cultural events. They provide opportunities to celebrate Somaliland’s history, identity, peace, democratic progress and contribution to Welsh and British society.
They also provide an inclusive platform through which public officials, parliamentarians, councillors, academics, businesses, community organisations and residents can learn more about Somaliland and its people.
Our directors and members have played a leading role in bringing together government representatives, civic leaders, professionals, young people, women and community members during these important occasions.
Somaliland flag-raising ceremonies promote belonging, community pride, dialogue and mutual understanding. They also recognise the contribution of generations of Somaliland people who have made Wales and the wider United Kingdom their home.
These events demonstrate the value of public diplomacy at community level and help strengthen the bonds of friendship between Somaliland, Wales and the United Kingdom.
Building Educational Partnerships
Education has always been central to our vision.
Over the years, our founder, directors and members have hosted leaders from Somaliland universities and supported their efforts to establish relationships with universities and educational institutions in Wales.
These engagements have created opportunities to explore academic cooperation, institutional development, research partnerships, professional training, curriculum improvement and student exchanges.
We have also helped connect schools in Cardiff with schools in Somaliland through British Council global education programmes.
These school partnerships have enabled pupils, teachers and school leaders to learn from one another, broaden their international awareness and build friendships across countries and cultures.
Our founder, directors and community members have also provided encouragement, professional assistance and financial support towards the establishment and development of important educational institutions in Somaliland.
These institutions include Edna Adan University, Amoud University, Gollis University, the University of Burao, the University of Hargeisa, Berbera Maritime and Fisheries Academy and other emerging education and training institutions.
These contributions demonstrate the Somaliland diaspora’s longstanding commitment to education as the foundation of national development, employment, opportunity and social progress.
We believe stronger links between universities and schools in Somaliland and Wales can create lasting benefits for students, educators, researchers and institutions in both countries.
Recognising British Support and Expanding Accredited Learning
We also wish to recognise and salute the contribution of British institutions, development partners and the many international non-governmental organisations that have invested in Somaliland and supported its people over many years.
Their work across education, healthcare, governance, humanitarian assistance, vocational training, institutional development and community resilience has made a valuable contribution to Somaliland’s progress.
These partnerships demonstrate what can be achieved when international support is delivered respectfully, collaboratively and in response to locally identified priorities.
Looking ahead, we believe there is a significant opportunity for the British Council, relevant UK awarding organisations and recognised accreditation and quality-assurance bodies to support the development of high-quality accredited education, English-language, examination and vocational training centres in Somaliland.
Our ambition is to establish centres in Somaliland that operate in partnership with experienced UK-accredited institutions and meet recognised international standards.
This would provide young people, professionals and adult learners with access to credible qualifications, examinations and training programmes that are transferable, employment-focused and responsive to the modern labour market.
Accredited centres could strengthen English-language learning, digital skills, technical and vocational education, teacher training, professional development, entrepreneurship and access to internationally recognised examinations.
They could also create pathways through which learners in Somaliland gain qualifications aligned with recognised UK standards without facing the significant cost of travelling overseas.
ACDA is ready to play its full role in advancing this vision.
Through our established relationships and trusted networks, we are prepared to bring the relevant Somaliland institutions to the table, including government ministries, universities, schools, vocational training providers, professional bodies and civil society organisations.
We are equally ready to work with the British Council, UK educational institutions, awarding organisations and accreditation bodies to develop a practical framework for cooperation.
This should be a genuine partnership rather than a one-sided arrangement. UK institutions can provide technical expertise, accreditation pathways, curriculum support and quality assurance, while Somaliland institutions contribute local knowledge, facilities, leadership, learners and a long-term commitment to sustainability.
By working together, we can create new pathways into education, employment and professional advancement while further strengthening the historic relationship between Somaliland, Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
Supporting Health and Professional Links
ACDA, its founder, directors and members have also promoted links between health professionals and institutions in Somaliland, Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
This has included support for the Somaliland Nursing and Midwifery Association and wider efforts to strengthen nursing education, midwifery, maternal health, professional development and institutional partnerships.
Somaliland has made significant progress in developing its health and education sectors, often in challenging circumstances and with limited international resources.
Diaspora professionals and community organisations can make an important contribution by sharing knowledge, supporting training, mobilising resources and connecting Somaliland institutions with credible international partners.
Our objective is not simply to provide short-term assistance. It is to encourage sustainable partnerships that strengthen local institutions and recognise the expertise, leadership and professional knowledge already present within Somaliland.
We believe respectful professional exchanges between Somaliland and Welsh health institutions can support learning, improve services and create valuable opportunities for future cooperation.
Promoting Business and Economic Cooperation
The Somaliland community in the United Kingdom includes entrepreneurs, investors, financial professionals, academics and experienced business leaders.
Through business-to-business engagement, ACDA seeks to increase awareness of Somaliland’s economic potential and encourage responsible, mutually beneficial partnerships.
Important areas of opportunity include financial services, agriculture, livestock, renewable energy, digital technology, education, fisheries, logistics, maritime development, telecommunications, construction and professional services.
Somaliland occupies a strategically important position in the Horn of Africa and has demonstrated remarkable resilience, stability and commitment to private enterprise.
Responsible investment and professional partnerships can create employment, strengthen institutions, improve services and contribute to sustainable economic development.
Our role is to help build confidence, introduce credible partners, share local knowledge and encourage cooperation based on transparency, mutual benefit and long-term commitment.
We believe the Somaliland diaspora can serve as a valuable bridge between businesses, investors and institutions in Somaliland, Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
Diaspora-led business engagement can help reduce uncertainty, strengthen trust and ensure that prospective investors develop a realistic and informed understanding of Somaliland’s opportunities and operating environment.
Working with Civil Society
Strong civil society organisations are essential to democracy, accountability, inclusion and sustainable development.
Our relationships across Somaliland include constructive links with government ministries, professional associations, universities, local authorities and leading civil society umbrella organisations.
These include the Somaliland National Youth Organisation, SONYO; the Somaliland Non-State Actors Forum, SONSAF; and the Somaliland Local Government Association.
These organisations play an important role in supporting young people, strengthening democratic participation, promoting social inclusion, improving local governance and ensuring that civil society contributes effectively to national development.
Our partnerships enable us to bring together different sectors, exchange information and support dialogue between civil society organisations in Somaliland and their counterparts in Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
We believe civil society cooperation should be based on equality, dignity and genuine partnership.
Somaliland organisations should not be viewed simply as recipients of assistance, but as experienced partners with knowledge, expertise and valuable lessons to share.
By encouraging institution-to-institution relationships, ACDA seeks to support sustainable cooperation that strengthens both Somaliland and UK-based civil society organisations.
A Trusted Community Resource
ACDA’s reach in the United Kingdom and Somaliland has been built through many years of personal commitment, professional engagement and community service.
It is founded not only on formal relationships, but also on trust, voluntary action, shared experience and a deep commitment to the progress of our communities.
Our directors and members include people with experience in community development, education, parliamentary affairs, public administration, business, healthcare, diplomacy, local government, international development and civil society.
This breadth of experience enables us to serve as a trusted link between communities and institutions.
We understand the cultural, political, social and economic context of Somaliland while also appreciating the standards, expectations and opportunities within Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
We see our role as one of facilitation, partnership and bridge-building. We bring people together, encourage dialogue, promote mutual understanding and help organisations identify areas of shared interest.
Our reach and influence are based on respect rather than status, and on sustained community engagement rather than short-term activity.
This enables ACDA to work across sectors while maintaining the trust of community members, professionals, public institutions and partner organisations.
Honouring the Past and Investing in the Future
The modern relationship between Somaliland, Wales and the United Kingdom has been shaped by generations of seafarers, workers, families, volunteers, professionals and community leaders.
Today’s Somaliland community stands on the foundations created by those earlier generations.
Their legacy continues through younger generations who identify proudly with Wales and the United Kingdom while maintaining strong family, cultural, professional and economic links with Somaliland.
This history gives ACDA a particular responsibility.
We must honour the contribution and sacrifices of earlier generations while creating new opportunities for young people, women, professionals, businesses, public institutions and civil society organisations.
Our work is therefore not about creating an entirely new relationship. It is about strengthening, modernising and giving greater recognition to a historic partnership that has connected Somaliland, Wales and the wider United Kingdom for more than a century and a half.
It is also about ensuring that future generations understand this shared history and are equipped to carry the relationship forward with confidence, professionalism and ambition.
Looking to the Future
The relationship between Somaliland, Wales and the wider United Kingdom has enormous potential.
Future cooperation should include stronger government, parliamentary and local government links; partnerships between schools and universities; professional exchanges; healthcare collaboration; accredited education and vocational training; responsible business investment; youth programmes; women’s leadership; cultural engagement; and civil society development.
There is also a continuing need to ensure that Somaliland’s achievements, challenges and aspirations are understood accurately, fairly and respectfully.
Community organisations have an important responsibility to provide balanced information, encourage constructive dialogue and promote meaningful engagement.
Our message is clear: Somaliland, Wales and the United Kingdom have much to offer one another.
By building on our shared history, strong community relationships and existing institutional links, we can create partnerships that benefit all our communities.
ACDA remains committed to working with governments, parliaments, local authorities, universities, schools, businesses, health institutions, professional bodies, accreditation organisations and civil society organisations to deepen these relationships.
We are proud of what has already been achieved, but we believe this is only the beginning.
Together, through government cooperation, parliamentary diplomacy, local government partnerships, accredited learning, education, healthcare, enterprise and community engagement, we can build an even stronger, more productive and enduring relationship between Somaliland, Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
About the Author
This article was written by Abdikarim Abdi Adan, Founder and Chief Executive of the Advocacy & Capacity Development Association (ACDA).
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and are intended to promote constructive dialogue, mutual understanding and stronger cooperation between Somaliland, Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
They do not necessarily represent the official position of any government, parliament, local authority, educational institution, development partner, funding body, accreditation organisation, civil society organisation or other institution referred to in the article.
