Somaliland, a region rich in natural resources, is sitting on the key raw materials for a booming global industry: glass. With vast deposits of silica sand, limestone, and potentially sodium carbonate, the country is well-positioned to build a local glass industry that could drive economic growth, create thousands of jobs, and boost national GDP. However, this opportunity remains largely untapped. If Somaliland’s Ministries of Investment and Mineral Resources work together to explore and develop these vital resources, they could unlock a new era of industrialization for the region.
The Ingredients for Glass — Already in Our Soil
Glass, a versatile material used in everything from windows to electronics to solar panels, requires three essential raw materials: silica sand, calcium carbonate, and sodium carbonate. All three ingredients are found in abundance in Somaliland.
Silica sand, the primary ingredient for glass production, is widely available along the coast of Somaliland. Geological surveys have indicated that these sands are rich in quartz, with some deposits containing up to 80% pure silica — an ideal quality for glass production. Yet, despite this wealth of material, the full potential of these reserves remains largely unexplored.
Calcium carbonate, often derived from limestone, is another critical ingredient for glass manufacturing. Somaliland boasts vast deposits of high-purity limestone, particularly in the Berbera region, where samples have shown an impressive 96% calcium carbonate content. These limestone deposits have already been used in cement production, but their potential for glassmaking remains untapped.
Sodium carbonate, or soda ash, is the third key ingredient for glassmaking. While geological surveys in Somaliland have provided limited data on sodium carbonate deposits, it remains a critical component in glass production. Neighboring countries in East Africa have known soda ash reserves, making it worth exploring whether Somaliland could become the next frontier for this valuable mineral.
So, if Somaliland already has these crucial raw materials, why isn’t the country producing glass?
The Economic Case for Local Glass Manufacturing
The potential benefits of a local glass industry are immense. Glass is used across multiple sectors, including construction, packaging, electronics, and renewable energy. The global demand for glass continues to rise, with particular growth in the solar energy sector, where glass plays a key role in the manufacture of solar panels.
By tapping into its mineral resources, Somaliland could meet domestic demand for glass products, reducing the need to import them. More importantly, it could position itself as a regional supplier, exporting high-quality glass products to neighboring countries and beyond. This would help diversify the economy and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in industries such as mining, manufacturing, and distribution.
A local glass industry would also significantly boost Somaliland’s GDP. It would reduce reliance on raw material exports and encourage value-added production within the country. A strong glass manufacturing sector would elevate the nation’s industrial status, making it an attractive destination for both local and foreign investors.
What’s Missing — and What Needs to Happen
While the potential is clear, several key steps must be taken to make this vision a reality. The first of these is a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Mineral Resources to conduct thorough geological surveys. While substantial deposits of silica sand and calcium carbonate are known, the availability of sodium carbonate remains uncertain. To move forward, both ministries must collaborate to conduct further research and exploration into these mineral resources, particularly focusing on sodium carbonate.
In addition to exploration, a comprehensive feasibility study should be conducted to assess the viability of a local glass manufacturing industry. This would include verifying whether these mineral deposits are sufficient for commercial-level production, evaluating the costs of extraction, transportation, and processing, and determining the level of investment required. To attract investors, the government must also consider offering incentives such as tax breaks or investment-friendly policies.
Furthermore, Somaliland would need to build the necessary infrastructure for glass production. This includes establishing manufacturing plants, creating a skilled workforce, and investing in research and development to improve glassmaking techniques. While the country may lack some of the required skills today, it can easily bridge this gap through training programs and partnerships with international glass manufacturers.
A Call to Action
The time for action is now. Somaliland has the raw materials, the strategic location, and the potential to build a thriving glass industry. But it cannot succeed without the concerted efforts of the relevant ministries and the government. The Ministries of Investment and Mineral Resources must join forces to explore and develop these mineral deposits. By doing so, they will create a robust local industry that not only benefits the economy but also provides jobs, raises national status, and strengthens Somaliland’s position in the global market.
It’s time for Somaliland to explore whether the mineral deposits are substantial enough to establish a glass industry. Once confirmed, this could pave the way for attracting investors. The glass industry offers a clear path to a brighter, more prosperous future — one that the country is more than capable of achieving if the right steps are taken today.
By Abdirahman Abdilahi
