Somaliland Sends 25 Water Experts to Israel for Training

A delegation of water experts from Somaliland is learning cutting-edge solutions to one of Africa's toughest challenges: chronic water scarcity.

Director General Aden Abdela Abdule is leading 25 water professionals on a groundbreaking trip to Israel, where they're studying advanced desalination technology, digital monitoring systems, and water recycling methods. The timing couldn't be more significant. This is the first major technical exchange since Israel formally recognized the Republic of Somaliland on December 26, 2024.

Water scarcity has plagued Somaliland for years, hitting urban areas and drought-prone regions especially hard. Recurring droughts have made reliable access to clean water a daily struggle for many communities.

That's why this partnership matters. Israel has transformed itself from a water-scarce nation into a global leader in water innovation, recycling about 90% of its wastewater and meeting much of its water needs through desalination.

During the visit, Aden met with senior officials from the Israel Water Authority to discuss integrated water resource management and regulatory frameworks. He also sat down with Dr. Eynat Shlein, who leads MASHAV, Israel's international development agency, to explore how the partnership aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals for clean water and global cooperation.

The delegation toured major desalination plants and advanced wastewater treatment facilities, getting hands-on exposure to technologies that could reshape Somaliland's water future. They're learning systems that could help communities survive and thrive despite drought cycles.

The Ripple Effect

This collaboration extends far beyond technical training. The partnership represents a new chapter in diplomatic relations and shows how nations can work together on shared challenges.

When countries pool their knowledge and resources to solve water crises, the benefits spread throughout entire regions. Improved water security means healthier communities, more stable agriculture, and stronger economic development.

The lessons these 25 professionals bring home could transform water management across Somaliland, creating resilience for generations to come. Officials from both nations say this is just the beginning, with more training programs and technical partnerships planned for the coming months.

A single visit by water experts today could mean reliable clean water for thousands of Somaliland families tomorrow.