By Mohamed Abdirahman Jama
Following its $20 million livestock infrastructure initiative in Berbera, the Taiwanese company is advancing another ambitious industrial project, with a landmark large-scale mining licence anticipated on December 1, 2026.
HARGEISA, SOMALILAND | November 2, 2026
Taiwan-based Central Sky International Trading Co. (CSK) is strengthening its position as an emerging international investor in Somaliland, with the company approaching a major regulatory milestone for its proposed large-scale mining and mineral-processing operations.
The latest development follows high-level discussions with Somaliland’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, H.E. Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre, and the ministry’s Director-General, Dr. Shucayb Osman Mahmoud, as preparations progress towards the anticipated issuance of a large-scale mining licence on December 1, 2026.
The discussions brought together senior government officials and representatives of CSK, including General Manager Alyne Chen and Manager Alic, alongside Kelly Zhang, Business Representative from the Taiwan Representative Office in Somaliland.
The meeting focused on final coordination and outstanding requirements ahead of the proposed licensing milestone, which could position CSK as the first Taiwanese company to secure a large-scale mining licence in Somaliland.
For Central Sky, the anticipated approval would represent more than an expansion into another industry. It would mark a significant step in the company’s growing portfolio of investments across the Horn of Africa.
From a $20 Million Livestock Project to Industrial Mining
Central Sky has already established a substantial investment presence in Somaliland through its $20 million livestock quarantine infrastructure initiative near the strategic Port of Berbera.
The project, developed to modernise livestock export infrastructure, includes plans for advanced quarantine facilities, digital animal identification, improved traceability systems and modern operational technologies.
Building on that investment, CSK is now extending its industrial ambitions into Somaliland’s mineral resources sector.
The planned mining venture is intended to support the development of a modern mineral-processing facility, incorporating advanced industrial machinery, technical expertise and processing infrastructure.
The company aims to establish a facility capable of competing with modern industrial operations across the wider Horn of Africa, supporting Somaliland’s transition towards more organised, technology-driven mineral production.
Subject to the completion of regulatory approvals and project implementation, the development could also support skilled employment, technical training and opportunities for local contractors and service providers.
CSK Strengthens Taiwan’s Private-Sector Presence in Somaliland
Founded in Taiwan, Central Sky International Trading Co. operates across international trade and investment sectors, with business interests spanning agriculture, livestock, commodities and industrial development.
Under the leadership of General Manager Alyne Chen, the company has increasingly pursued opportunities in Somaliland, identifying the territory as a potential location for long-term commercial investment.
Its latest mining initiative represents an important continuation of that strategy.
Unlike investments focused exclusively on raw material exports, the proposed mineral-processing operation offers the potential to generate additional economic value through industrial activity, machinery deployment and technical workforce development.
For Somaliland, attracting companies willing to invest in physical industrial infrastructure is an important component of its wider economic diversification objectives.
For CSK, combining commercial operations with long-term infrastructure development could strengthen its position in the growing East African market.
A New Chapter in Somaliland–Taiwan Economic Relations
The anticipated mining licence comes as cooperation between Taiwan and Somaliland continues to expand beyond traditional diplomatic engagement into commercially driven projects.
Since the establishment of reciprocal representative offices in 2020, both sides have identified energy, mining, agriculture, technology and trade among their areas of cooperation.
Central Sky’s activities demonstrate how private-sector investment can translate these relationships into tangible commercial initiatives.
Its participation in both livestock infrastructure and mineral-processing development reflects growing Taiwanese business interest in Somaliland’s industrial potential.
The involvement of Taiwan’s business representative in the latest meeting also underscores the role of institutional coordination in facilitating international investment.
December 1 Mining Licence Could Mark a Historic First
The anticipated December 1, 2026, licensing milestone is expected to be particularly significant for CSK’s expansion strategy.
If formally approved and issued, the licence could make Central Sky the first Taiwanese company authorised to undertake large-scale mining operations in Somaliland.
The proposed development would represent an additional step in the company’s evolution from an international trading enterprise into an investor in major industrial infrastructure.
With its existing livestock investment and expanding interest in mineral processing, Central Sky is positioning itself as a long-term participant in Somaliland’s economic development.
The mining licence remains subject to the necessary regulatory procedures and formal issuance by the competent authorities.
Nevertheless, the latest discussions underline the growing ambitions of CSK and the opportunities emerging from closer economic cooperation between Taiwan and Somaliland.
As the December 1 target approaches, Central Sky’s mining project could become another defining chapter in Taiwanese private-sector investment in the Horn of Africa.
