By Asha Elmi

Jigjiga, Ethiopia – The Business Consultation Forum was held on May 30, 2025, in the city of Jigjiga, the capital of the Somali Regional State (SRS), with the theme “The Role of the Business Community is the Backbone of the Prosperity We Aspire.”

The forum was opened by the Vice President of SRS, Ibrahim Osman Farah, who highlighted the vast business opportunities available that need to be seized by the region’s entrepreneurs. He also emphasized that businesspeople play a key role in implementing the region’s economic development plans.

Ibrahim Osman Farah pointed out the progress made in creating a free market and the changes in the business policies in the region.

“In general, our region has always had importance and was proud of it. Over the past seven years, we have achieved significant progress. This includes a thriving free market, which the community can access anywhere, but further development has been made in these areas. ” said Ibrahim Osman Farah.

Business leaders attending the forum expressed their readiness to contribute to the region’s economic progress and align with the government’s efforts to promote business development.

“It is expected that the overall economy of the country will grow, which will significantly contribute to the reduction of inflation and rising commodity prices, as well as the general anticipated progress,” said Ahmed Hassan, Chairman of the Somali Chamber of Commerce.

The forum also discussed Ethiopia’s economic growth, which is expected to increase by 7% in 2025, a boost that will help reduce inflation and rising commodity prices. This is seen as a significant decline in inflation over the past decade, benefiting both entrepreneurs and the general public.