Somalia Approves Maritime Cooperation Deal with Egypt to Boost Ports Sector

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s cabinet has approved a new maritime cooperation agreement with Egypt, marking another step in the two countries’ expanding partnership and signalling Mogadishu’s ambitions to modernise its ports and strengthen its position along one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), endorsed by the Council of Ministers on Thursday, establishes a framework for cooperation between Somalia’s Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport and Egypt’s Ministry of Transport. The agreement is expected to promote collaboration in maritime transport, port development and the exchange of technical expertise.

Ports and Marine Transport Minister Mohamed Nur said the agreement would help advance Somalia’s long-term plans to improve its maritime infrastructure and deepen cooperation with international partners.

“This agreement strengthens international cooperation in maritime transport and ports, advances our strategic priorities, supports the National Transformation Plan and reinforces Somalia’s growing role in the regional and global maritime sector,” he said following the cabinet’s approval.

The deal comes as Somalia seeks to unlock the economic potential of its more than 3,300-kilometre coastline—the longest on mainland Africa—by upgrading ports, improving maritime governance and attracting greater investment into the blue economy.

For Egypt, the agreement reflects Cairo’s continued engagement in the Horn of Africa, where maritime security and Red Sea shipping routes have become increasingly important amid shifting regional dynamics. The two countries have expanded cooperation in recent years across defence, diplomacy and infrastructure, with senior officials exchanging visits and signing several bilateral agreements.

Analysts say closer cooperation in the ports sector could help Somalia improve port efficiency, strengthen maritime connectivity and support regional trade, while positioning the country to benefit from growing commerce along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

The agreement is also aligned with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan, which identifies the development of transport infrastructure, trade facilitation and the blue economy as key drivers of long-term economic growth.