Federal Republic of Somalia

The Embassy of Brazil to Somalia, resident in Nairobi, was established in February 1987. In 2004, Brazil’s representation to Somalia was transferred to the Embassy of Brazil in Cairo, and in 2016, it was once again assumed concurrently by the Embassy of Brazil in Kenya. Somalia’s representation to the Brazilian Government is conducted through its Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

Progress in Somalia’s peace process since 2012—including the adoption of a provisional constitution, the formation of a new Parliament, and the presidential election—has allowed for the country’s gradual reintegration into the international community. Within this context, Brazil and Somalia have sought to strengthen bilateral ties. In 2022, the Brazilian government welcomed the election of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as President of Somalia.

On the multilateral front, the Brazilian government has emphasized the importance of continued international commitment not only to fighting the extremist group Al-Shabaab, but also to consolidating peace and fostering the country’s socioeconomic development.

Brazil has participated in two meetings of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, as well as in the London (February 2012) and Istanbul (June 2012) Conferences on Somalia. On those occasions, Brazil advocated for a political solution to the conflict and underscored the importance of Somali leadership —in both government and civil society — in shaping and implementing the country’s development policies.

The Brazilian government contributed to Somalia’s transitional process through humanitarian cooperation, including the donation of 65,000 tons of food between 2010 and 2012, and $500,000 to support activities carried out by the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Somalia and the Horn of Africa region. Additionally, Brazil donated $900,000 through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support activities for Somali refugees.

In 2023, trade between Brazil and Somalia reached the a record high, with a total flow of $175 million. In 2024, trade amounted to $154 million. Brazilian exports accounted for nearly the entirety of bilateral trade, with sugar representing 96% of Brazilian exports.

Chronology of Bilateral Relations

2016 – The Embassy of Brazil in Nairobi (Kenya) once again assumes concurrent accreditation to the Government of Somalia.

2013 – Somalia appoints a special envoy to Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela.

2012 – Brazil participates in the Istanbul Conference on Somalia (June).

2012 – Brazil participates in the London Conference on Somalia (February).

2005 – Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullahi Ismail, represents his country at the First South America–Arab Countries Summit (ASPA), held in Brasília (May).

2004 – The Embassy of Brazil in Cairo (Egypt) assumes concurrent accreditation to Somalia.

1987 – The Embassy of Brazil in Nairobi (Kenya) is designated to represent Brazil concurrently to Somalia.