Somalia Formally Ratifies AfCFTA, Becoming 50th Member

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has formally ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), becoming the 50th African country to complete the process and opening the way for Somali businesses to gain wider access to the continent’s single market.

Trade and Industry Minister Gamal Mohamed Hassan deposited Somalia’s instrument of ratification with the African Union in Addis Ababa, completing a process that began with approval by the Federal Parliament and the signing of the agreement by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The ratification now shifts the focus to implementation, with Somalia expected to align its tariff and customs systems with AfCFTA requirements and prepare local businesses to compete in African markets.

“Today, Somalia has become the 50th country to formally ratify AfCFTA,” Minister Gamal said, adding that the government’s priority would be to establish the necessary procedures and help Somali companies meet the requirements needed to begin trading under the agreement.

Somalia’s entry comes as the government seeks to diversify the economy, expand exports and attract investment. The agreement could give Somali producers access to a market covering much of the African continent while creating opportunities to develop regional value chains in sectors including agriculture, fisheries, livestock and manufacturing.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has established a National AfCFTA Coordination Office to oversee implementation and coordinate efforts between federal institutions, state governments, businesses and other stakeholders.

The office will also work on aligning national legislation and trade procedures with AfCFTA obligations while helping Somali businesses understand the requirements and opportunities of the continental market.

For Somalia, the immediate challenge will be turning formal membership into actual trade. That will require functioning customs and tariff systems, stronger productive capacity, reliable logistics and greater support for businesses seeking to export.

The government said the longer-term objective is to increase production and exports, attract foreign investment and integrate Somalia more closely into African regional trade networks.