The United States president-elect Donald Trump is expected to shake up East Africa's geopolitics by recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign state. This move could have significant implications for the region and may spark tensions with Somalia, which considers Somaliland a part of its territory.

According to Sir Gavin Williamson, the former UK defense secretary, Trump may recognize Somaliland's sovereignty once he assumes power in January. Williamson revealed that he had lobbied the president-elect and is confident of the outcome. This development comes on the heels of Somaliland's recent elections, which saw the opposition leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi emerge victorious with a 53% vote.

The recognition of Somaliland's sovereignty could have far-reaching consequences for the region, particularly in terms of trade and economic development. Somaliland has been seeking international recognition for over 30 years, and this move could pave the way for increased investment and cooperation with other countries. However, it may also exacerbate tensions with Somalia, which has long opposed Somaliland's independence.

The tech and startup community in East Africa will be watching this development closely, as it could have significant implications for the region's business environment and investment landscape. With Somaliland's recognition, the region may see an influx of new investment opportunities, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and trade.