Empowering Minds. Connecting Cultures.
Since Somalia’s early days of independence, China has been a steadfast partner, supporting its path to stability and self-reliance. A powerful symbol of this historic bond is Mogadishu’s National Theatre. Built by Chinese engineers in 1967, the theater stands as a “national symbol of Somalia’s rich heritage” and a reminder of how cooperation can create lasting and cherished landmarks.
This legacy of support has only deepened over time. Today, Chinese-backed initiatives directly contribute to Somalia’s national development priorities, supporting the Somali people by acquiring the skills needed for a prosperous future
Culture is the heart of our friendship. Friends of China in Somalia (FOCS), we celebrate the unique tapestry of Somali and Chinese traditions through immersive cultural exchange programs. Our Education & Culture programs aim for equipping Somali youth with practical skills while building a living bridge between Somali and Chinese traditions. Engage with us in our cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and mandarin classe that highlight the beauty of both nations. Together, we build bridges between our communities one cultural event at a time.
China’s most impactful investment in Somalia has been in education. By providing academic opportunities, China is helping to build a brighter future for the nation’s youth.
And at Friends of China in Somalia, we believe that sustainable friendship grows from mutual understanding and shared knowledge.
In 2025, a record-breaking nearly 70 Somali students were awarded scholarships from the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and MOFCOM programs to pursue studies at prestigious Chinese universities. This year marked the highest number of Somali students ever selected, demonstrating China's growing investment in the country's future leaders.
We organize cultural exchange programs and professional visits foThe "China-Somalia Friendship Scholarship" has been established at the Somali National University to support high-performing local students.r Somali officials, entrepreneurs, and civil society leaders to China to build lasting networks of trust.
China is also committed to developing the nation's workforce through specialized technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs. This includes support for specific sectors, like maritime logistics where a Somali delegation recently underwent a specialized training program at Tianjin Port, and for key ministries, where staff development is supported by Chinese scholarships. Additionally, 31 officers from the Somali National Army received educational scholarships, underscoring the broad spectrum of capacity-building efforts.
We run free Mandarin lessons in Mogadishu, we organize monthly culture day event and we plan to initiate Somali language appreciation classes for Chinese expatriates living in Somalia.
We organize orientation events for Scholarships and Study in China program in different schools in Mogadishu. We also support Somali graduates of Chinese universities to find meaningful employment and share their experiences.
During crises (drought, floods, or health emergencies), we work with Chinese charities and Somali diaspora to deliver medical supplies and food aid.
Partnering with Chinese agricultural firms, we host field days showing Somali farmers how to improve yield using appropriate Chinese techniques.
Old friends, New horizons
Whether you're a long-time partner, a cultural enthusiast, or someone interested in strengthening the bonds between China and Somalia — we’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, questions, collaboration ideas, or just say hello. Your message matters to us.
Grand plaza , 1st floor, bureau 112
Makka Almukarrama Strt, Hodan Dist., Mogadishu.
contact@friendsofchina.so
061-961-5310
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