Somalia, Algeria Explore Joint Business Council to Boost Trade

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ALGIERS: Somalia and Algeria are considering establishing a joint business council to strengthen commercial ties and facilitate trade between their private sectors, as the two countries seek to expand economic cooperation and open new markets for businesses.

The proposed Somalia-Algeria Business Council would provide a platform for companies from both countries to establish commercial partnerships, explore joint ventures and identify opportunities for cross-border trade.

The initiative emerged during talks between Somalia’s ambassador to Algeria, Yusuf Ahmed Hassan, and Algerian Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion Kamal Rezig, who also discussed expanding Algerian exports to the Somali market.

The proposed council could help connect businesses in North Africa and the Horn of Africa, where limited commercial networks and logistical challenges have constrained opportunities for direct trade.

Somalia’s reliance on imported goods presents opportunities for Algerian exporters seeking new markets, while closer business links could give Somali traders access to additional suppliers and commercial partnerships.

The discussions focused on identifying products that could meet demand in Somalia and improving opportunities for Algerian businesses to enter the market.

A joint business council could also provide a mechanism for sustained engagement between the two countries’ private sectors, moving economic cooperation beyond government-level discussions towards direct commercial relationships.

The initiative comes as Somalia seeks to diversify its economic partnerships and strengthen trade relations with countries across Africa, while Algeria looks to expand its export markets.

However, the two governments have not announced a formal agreement establishing the council, nor have they provided details of its proposed membership, structure or implementation timetable.