Background
The Horn of Africa region is known for its rich frankincense plants and shrubs. This history dates as far back as the reign of Queen Hatshepsut in ancient Egypt. From that time, Somalis, the traditional dwellers of the land of Punt, have been in the resins business.
Horn Resin Limited was incorporated in 2015 as a limited company as part of this age-old tradition in the frankincense business by merchants who inherited the tradition from their parents and grandparents with the view to sustaining the centuries-old tradition by transforming it into a modern business, catering for the needs of both local and international customers.
Horn Resin Limited, unlike many in this business, maintains a great rapport with many tree growers in various locations in the Horn of Africa region, mainly in Somalia’s Bari region and parts of Ethiopia. So far, HRL as the firm is fondly known among its clients grows various resin-producing trees such as Frankincense trees (Boswellia Carterii and Boswellia Frereana), Myrrh, Opoponax and Arabic Gum .
In addition, it has strong presence in all major towns in Somalia’s Puntland region as well as neighboring Ethiopia where it operates both wholesale and retail resins business with its warehouse in Bosaso and a number of stores, Eyl and Qardho.
These resins have both medicinal and cosmetic values; they can be used as skin care and body massage products so as to revitalize the skin and improve its elasticity. Essential oils extracted from these resins are also used as aromatherapy for body and mood relaxation as well as spiritual purposes.
The firm is currently in the process of setting up a distillation plant in Bosaso, Somalia with the view to meet growing demand for its resin products.