China's top diplomat has postponed what would have been a historic visit to Somalia, part of a tour of Africa aimed at bolstering strategic trade, the East African nation's foreign affairs ministry said on Friday.

Wang Yi's planned visit would have been the first by a Chinese foreign minister since the 1980s.

It had been expected to provide a diplomatic boost to Mogadishu after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the breakaway Republic of Somaliland, a northern region that declared its independence in 1991.

Somalia's relations with the US are also at a low point after Washington said this week it would pause further assistance that benefits the government over a dispute about the demolition of a World Food Programme warehouse.

Somali foreign affairs ministry officials told Reuters that the reason for the postponement and a future schedule for Wang's visit would be provided later.

Wang began his annual New Year's tour of Africa on Wednesday, focusing on strategic trade access across East and Southern Africa as Beijing seeks to secure critical shipping routes and resource supply lines.

Wang is also expected to travel to Tanzania and Lesotho during the trip, which continues until January 12.

He met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday and called for greater cooperation with Africa's fastest growing economy, including in infrastructure, green industry, and the digital economy.