Mogadishu Hosts High-Level Talks on Business Licensing Overhaul

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia on Monday opened a high-level consultative conference in Mogadishu aimed at harmonizing business registration and licensing laws across the country, in a move officials say will boost investor confidence and support long-term economic growth.

The conference, led by Federal Minister of Commerce and Industry Mohamud Aydid Geesood, brought together regional commerce ministers from South West, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, SSC-Khaatumo, and senior representatives from Jubbaland.

The goal is to draft a unified Business Registration and Licensing Bill that would replace the country’s fragmented system of overlapping licensing authorities with a standardized national framework.

“A unified legal structure is critical to creating a transparent and investor-friendly business climate,” Geesood said. “We can no longer afford a patchwork of regulations that hinder entrepreneurship and private sector growth.”

Participants are expected to issue key policy recommendations to enhance cooperation between federal and member state institutions, with a focus on regulatory consistency, legal clarity, and efficient service delivery to Somali businesses.

The move is part of broader efforts to modernize Somalia’s commercial legal infrastructure and attract domestic and international investment as the country continues its post-conflict recovery.