Somalia Secures New Trade Openings at AfCFTA Forum in Morocco

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MARRAKECH: Somalia has moved to deepen its integration into Africa’s single market after high-level engagements at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Business Forum in Morocco.

Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry Mahmoud Ahmed Abdullahi said Somalia’s participation resulted in stronger bilateral trade linkages and clearer pathways for investment cooperation with several African partners.

Talks with AfCFTA officials and trade ministers from Morocco, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Djibouti focused on easing market access, promoting cross-border trade, and positioning Somali businesses to benefit from the continental free trade framework.

Officials said the discussions will support Somalia’s efforts to diversify exports, attract investment, and connect local producers to regional value chains under the AfCFTA. Engagements at the forum also helped elevate Somalia’s profile within continental economic platforms as it works to rebuild its trade institutions.

The outcomes are expected to accelerate Somalia’s readiness for AfCFTA implementation by strengthening policy coordination and expanding commercial partnerships across Africa.

The AfCFTA, which aims to create a single African market of more than $3.4 trillion in combined GDP, is seen by Somali authorities as a key opportunity to drive long-term growth, job creation and economic integration.