NOREAF-Norwegian East African Strategic Partners

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NOREAF-Norwegian East African Strategic Partners NOREAF promotes integration, inclusion & economic participation of East African immigrants in Norway.

It strengthens strategic cooperation between Norway and E AF especially Somalia through knowledge exchange, trade, investment & cross-sector partnerships NOREAF works to strengthen the integration, social inclusion, and economic participation of immigrants from East Africa in Norwegian society. With a particular focus on Somalia, NOREAF seeks to address structural barriers and promote equal opport

unities in education, employment, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. In addition, NOREAF fosters long-term, strategic cooperation between Norway and East African countries through initiatives in knowledge exchange, trade, investment, innovation, institutional collaboration, and cross-sector capacity development. The organization serves as a platform for dialogue between diaspora communities, public authorities, private sector actors, and civil society—working to build sustainable relationships and mutual understanding across borders.

For the first time in three decades, the Somali Nordic Summit was held this year at Hanasaari, just outside Helsinki — a...
24/09/2025

For the first time in three decades, the Somali Nordic Summit was held this year at Hanasaari, just outside Helsinki — a historic gathering that brought together Somali organizations, community leaders, politicians, journalists, academics, and professionals from across the Nordic region, representing a diaspora of more than 200,000 people spanning three generations.

NOREAF-Norwegian East African Strategic Partners was honored to participate in this milestone event. Among the distinguished participants were Somalia’s former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Abdisalam Ali.

We extend our sincere thanks to for initiating and laying the groundwork for such an important meeting — at a time when the need is great and the moment is right.

It was a real pleasure to connect with so many dedicated leaders from diverse fields. We look forward to building on these relationships and strengthening Nordic cooperation in the years ahead.

Earlier in August, NOREAF met with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs:  Einar Rystad, (Norway’s Special Envoy to ...
22/09/2025

Earlier in August, NOREAF met with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Einar Rystad, (Norway’s Special Envoy to Somalia) , Narve Nub Kveseth, (focal point on Somalia), and Signe Gilen, (Norway’s Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security).

The meeting was part of our preparations for the international conference in August, and in connection with the Somali ministerial delegation visiting Norway.

We are grateful for the exchange with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and look forward to maintaining a close and open dialogue, appreciating their openness and engagement.

On August 23, 2025, we had the honor of welcoming distinguished guests whose presence and insights made our internationa...
18/09/2025

On August 23, 2025, we had the honor of welcoming distinguished guests whose presence and insights made our international conference in Oslo truly historic.

We were privileged to be joined by:

1.Naima Hassan H. Mohamoud, Chairperson of the Justice and Human Rights Committee in the Upper House of the Federal Parliament of Somalia.

2.Falhada Dekow Iman, Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), former Senator in the Kenyan Parliament, and the first Somali woman to serve in EALA, representing a region of more than 343 million citizens.

3.Ambassador Dr. Khadija Osoble Ali, Somalia’s Ambassador to the EU, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, who has also served as Minister of State, Member of Parliament, Electoral Commissioner, and Senior Adviser to Somalia’s leadership.

We extend our sincere gratitude to these inspiring leaders for their wisdom, vision, and commitment. Their voices and contributions helped shape a day that will be remembered for many years to come — for Somalia, for East Africa, and for diaspora communities here in Norway. 🌍✨

18/09/2025

On August 23, 2024, at our international conference in Oslo, Dr. Khadija Osoble Ali, Somalia’s Ambassador to the EU, shared powerful reflections on the legacy and leadership of Somali women.

“When institutions collapsed in Somalia, Somali women became the institutions themselves....Somali women are not only asking for a seat at the table — they are building their own".

Ambassador Khadija Osoble Ali highlighted how women have carried families, mediated peace, built livelihoods, and demanded political inclusion — showing resilience in the past, strength in the present, and vision for the future.

On August 22, NOREAF had the honor of being part of the discussions in an important meeting between Norway and Somalia.N...
15/09/2025

On August 22, NOREAF had the honor of being part of the discussions in an important meeting between Norway and Somalia.

Norway’s State Secretary for Labour and Social Inclusion, Kjetil Vevle, welcomed Somalia’s Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, Khadija Mohamed Al-makhzoumi.

The meeting addressed several key issues affecting both the Somali Norwegian diaspora and developments in Somalia.

Representing both NOREAF-Norwegian East African Strategic Partners and the voice of the Somali diaspora, our Senior Political Advisor Mohamed Alason took part in the meeting.

We look forward to constructive follow-up and to seeing solutions that can benefit both Norway, Somalia, and the diaspora communities.

13/09/2025

At our international conference on August 23, we had the privilege of welcoming Her Excellency Khadija Mohamed Al-makhzoumi, Somalia’s Minister of Family and Human Rights, as our keynote speaker.

With a distinguished background – including service as Somalia’s Ambassador to Iraq and Pakistan – she spoke with both authority and personal reflection. Her words reminded us how Somali women have carried families and communities through hardship, and how their leadership continues to shape the nation today.

“History has already shown us that Somali women are builders of the nation. The question now is not if women have a role, but how we ensure they are always at the center of Somalia’s political, economic, and social future.”

06/09/2025

At our international conference on August 23, Norway’s Minister of International Development, Åsmund Aukrust, underlined that gender equality and women’s rights are a top priority in Norway’s development policy:

“Gender equality is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do. Women in Somalia and the Horn of Africa are crucial to development, democracy, and stabilization – both at home and in the diaspora. Too often overlooked, they have nevertheless created change and secured a place at the table.”

06/09/2025

At the official opening of our international conference on August 23, the Mayor of Oslo(Oslo kommune), Anne Lindboe, underlined the important role Somali women play in society, stating:

“Somali women are among the toughest women I know – they help make Oslo the diverse city it is.”

She also emphasized the close ties between the city and the Somali community, noting that it was an honor to attend the celebration of Somalia’s National Day on July 1st in her capacity as Mayor.

Saturday, 23 August 2025 became a truly historic day! 🌍✨Our international conference, Somali Women as Pillars of Nation-...
06/09/2025

Saturday, 23 August 2025 became a truly historic day! 🌍✨

Our international conference, Somali Women as Pillars of Nation-Building: Legacy, Leadership, and the Future brought together more than 300 participants in Oslo.

A heartfelt thank you to Mayor of Oslo(Oslo kommune), Anne Lindboe , and Norway’s Minister of International Development, Åsmund Grøver Aukrust, for joining us. Your reflections and presence gave real value to the conference and inspired many.

We are especially grateful for the way you highlighted the vital role Somali women play in the diaspora community – in Norway and across the world – and how their contributions are helping to build stronger, more inclusive societies.

With leaders from politics, diplomacy, activism, and local communities across Norway, Somalia, and East Africa, this conference will be remembered as a milestone for years to come.

No conference is complete without music and culture. 🎶 We are excited to have Feysal Xawaase, the beloved Somali artist,...
23/08/2025

No conference is complete without music and culture. 🎶 We are excited to have Feysal Xawaase, the beloved Somali artist, together with Dr. Ali Osman Egeh, linguist and guitarist, bringing us good music and cultural moments throughout the day.

📅 Saturday, 23 August 2025
🕓 16:00 – 20:30
📍 Eldorado Hub, Torggata 9B, Oslo
🔗 Register: https://lu.ma/l06sh

We are pleased to announce that Abdibasid Mohamed Ali, psychologist and mentor, will be the program host for our interna...
23/08/2025

We are pleased to announce that Abdibasid Mohamed Ali, psychologist and mentor, will be the program host for our international conference in Oslo today.

This will be a great day, and we are truly in good hands with him leading the program.

We kindly encourage participants to arrive by 15:30 to secure a good seat.

📅 Saturday, 23 August 2025
🕓 16:00 – 20:30
📍 Eldorado Hub, Torggata 9B, Oslo
🔗 Register: https://lu.ma/l06shz

Adresse

Brugata 1
Oslo
0589

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