Somaliland – A Country Worth Getting to Know

Somaliland – A Country Worth Getting to Know

By Tami Lancut Leibovitz – Master of Manners

Until recently, Somaliland was a name unfamiliar to many Israelis. Today, that is beginning to change.

Israel's recognition of Somaliland in December 2025 opened a new chapter in relations between the two countries, followed by diplomatic contacts, official visits and growing discussions about trade, investment and cooperation.

But whenever a new door opens between countries, another door opens as well — between people: government officials, diplomats, business leaders, entrepreneurs and professional delegations.

And alongside geography, strategy and economics comes another essential language: the international language of culture, etiquette and protocol.

So, What Exactly Is Somaliland?

Somaliland is located in the Horn of Africa, on the Gulf of Aden, opposite Yemen. Its capital is Hargeisa.

The territory was formerly the British Somaliland Protectorate. It became independent in June 1960 and, only days later, united with the former Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic.

Following years of conflict, repression and civil war, Somaliland declared the restoration of its independence in 1991.

Since then, it has operated in many respects as a state, with its own government, presidency, institutions, security forces, currency and flag.

For more than three decades, however, an unusual gap remained: Somaliland functioned as a state in practice while most of the international community continued to regard it as part of Somalia.

Why Are Israelis Hearing More About Somaliland Now?

Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state in December 2025.

Since then, relations have developed rapidly through diplomatic contacts and official visits, alongside discussions about cooperation in a range of sectors.

Geography also matters. Somaliland lies along the Gulf of Aden, close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes.

But beyond geopolitics lies another important question:

If Israelis are beginning to engage with a country they barely knew before, shouldn't they also learn about its people and cultural codes?

What About Israeli Business?

From an Israeli perspective, the business relationship is still in its early stages — but the potential is significant.

Somaliland has expressed interest in Israeli knowledge, technology and investment in areas in which Israel has considerable expertise, including agriculture and AgriTech, water and irrigation, energy, healthcare, technology, infrastructure and natural resources.

Business discussions between the two sides are already taking place, creating opportunities for Israeli entrepreneurs, companies and investors interested in exploring this emerging relationship.

And this brings us to an important principle:

Before doing business in a new country, learn how to do business with the people who live there.

A good product, innovative technology and the right price are only part of the toolkit. Understanding local culture, religion, hierarchy, hospitality and communication can make the difference between having a business meeting — and building a business relationship.

So alongside the question, “What business opportunities does Somaliland offer?”, we should ask another:

How should we meet, communicate, negotiate and build trust in Somaliland?

That is where the cultural code begins.

10 Cultural and Business Etiquette Points to Know

1. Relationships Before Business

Israelis tend to get to the point quickly. In Somaliland, taking time for greetings and conversation can be an important part of building trust.

Small talk is not necessarily time wasted. It can be part of the business itself.

2. Don't Automatically Offer a Handshake

Handshakes between men may be common, but when greeting a Muslim person of the opposite sex, do not automatically extend your hand.

A simple rule works well: wait and see whether the other person initiates.

If not, a warm verbal greeting, smile and slight nod are perfectly respectful.

3. Use the Right Hand

When giving or receiving a business card, document, gift, food or drink, use the right hand or both hands.

It may seem like a small detail, but in intercultural communication, small details often convey an important message:

I prepared. I understand. I respect your culture.

4. Respect Hierarchy

Age, seniority and professional status matter.

Before an official meeting, find out who the senior person is and understand the hierarchy of the participants.

Begin with appropriate titles and a degree of formality. Let your hosts indicate when it is appropriate to become more informal.

5. Religion Is Part of Daily Life

Somaliland is a predominantly Sunni Muslim society.

Prayer times, Ramadan, halal food and religious customs may affect meeting schedules, meals and hospitality.

And remember an important international etiquette rule:

Wine is not a universal gift.

What may be considered an elegant gesture in one culture can be entirely inappropriate in another.

6. Dress Communicates Respect

There is no need to adopt local clothing in order to respect local culture.

Business attire should, however, be polished and relatively conservative. Women should generally avoid very revealing or tight clothing, while men should maintain a professional and well-groomed appearance.

The objective is not to imitate another culture, but to remain yourself while showing respect for theirs.

7. Somaliland Is Not Simply “Somalia”

This can be a particularly sensitive issue.

For many people in Somaliland, their independent identity is deeply connected to history, struggle and national pride.

Use names and terminology carefully and avoid turning a first meeting or casual conversation into a political debate about Somaliland's status.

Understanding how people identify themselves is a basic element of respect.

8. Hospitality, Tea and the Table Are Part of Communication

Tea, food and time spent around the table are not simply “refreshments.” They can be an important part of building a relationship, so accept hospitality graciously rather than treating it as an interruption before the “real” business begins.

And what might you be served?

Somaliland cuisine is rooted in Somali culinary traditions, with influences from the Middle East, India and East Africa. One of its best-known foods is Laxoox, a soft, spongy fermented flatbread. You may also encounter Bariis Iskukaris, fragrant spiced rice served with goat, lamb or camel; Sambuus, triangular savoury pastries similar to samosas; and Xalwo, a rich, spiced Somali sweet.

And don't be surprised if a banana appears alongside rice or pasta — a combination familiar in Somali cuisine.

A particularly important place is reserved for Shaah, sweet Somali spiced tea, often prepared with milk and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves or ginger. Tea is much more than a drink; it is part of hospitality and social interaction.

And, of course, Somaliland is a Muslim society: food follows halal traditions, and alcohol is not part of customary hospitality.

Sometimes, the real meeting begins around the tea and the table.

9. Learn to Hear the Meaning Behind “No”

Israeli communication is famously direct. Other cultures may place greater emphasis on preserving harmony and avoiding embarrassment.

A response such as “we'll see,” “we'll consider it” or “perhaps later” should therefore be understood in context rather than automatically interpreted as agreement.

Listen not only to the words, but also to the tone, context and what remains unsaid.

10. Curiosity Is a Business Skill

You do not have to know everything before your first meeting.

You need to know enough to avoid unnecessary cultural mistakes — and be curious enough to continue learning.

A respectful question such as “What is customary here?” does not demonstrate ignorance.

It demonstrates cultural intelligence.

A New Relationship – and an Ancient Human Language

The relationship between Israel and Somaliland is still developing, and there is much more to learn about where the diplomatic and economic relationship will lead.

But one principle is already clear.

When two cultures begin to meet, it is not enough to know what we want to say. We also need to understand how to say it, how to behave — and how to listen.

International etiquette is not simply a collection of rigid rules. It is the ability to read the person in front of us, understand the culture they come from and adapt our behaviour without losing our own identity.

Somaliland?

A country worth getting to know — and learning how to meet.

©All ights reserved to Tami Lancut Leibovitz