Israel Eyes Export Deals in Somaliland as Trade Surges
Ashra, Israel's state-owned export credit insurance company, is exploring new export deals in Somaliland as part of a significant increase in its approved export transactions. The company concluded its fiscal year from September 2025 to August 2026 with a 10% rise in insured export deals, reaching approximately $2.3 billion, up from $2.1 billion the previous year. These complex export deals, which have received approval from the Israeli Treasury's Accountant General, primarily involve sectors such as defense, water treatment, advanced agriculture, shipping, and large-scale infrastructure.
Alongside the potential ventures in Somaliland, Ashra has also opened new credit lines for exporters to countries including Argentina, Indonesia, and Nigeria. The company emphasizes that state-backed export credit insurance not only stimulates local exports but also serves as a tool for strengthening international relations, a function Israel has increasingly utilized in the past year for countries where its interests extend beyond economics.
Ashra's operations are comparable to around 30 similar European entities whose involvement in export finance and insurance has grown substantially. The company provides a financial safety net for Israeli exporters, enabling them to compete for complex international tenders and secure financing through state-backed insurance policies that act as collateral. This support allows Israeli businesses to expand their operations and compete globally, particularly in developing markets.
In addition to Somaliland, Ashra approved export deals to numerous destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Central America during the year, including Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, Kenya, North Macedonia, Cyprus, China, Albania, El Salvador, Mexico, Nigeria, Angola, Cameroon, and Panama. Notably, a $150 million deal was approved for Argentina after a 20-year hiatus.
