Somalia Seeks to Unlock Economic Potential of Its Ports with New Maritime Policy

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia is seeking to strengthen its maritime economy through a new national policy for ports and sea transport, as the government looks to improve trade infrastructure along one of Africa’s longest coastlines.

The draft policy is intended to guide port management and maritime transport development, with officials beginning consultations on a framework that could shape how the sector is regulated and expanded.

State Minister for Ports and Maritime Transport Mohamed Abdulqadir opened the consultation meeting, attended by government institutions and representatives of Mogadishu Port.

Somalia’s ports are critical to its economy, handling much of the country’s imported goods and serving as gateways for trade with regional and international markets. Their performance has direct implications for the cost of doing business, the movement of goods and the country’s ability to attract investment.

The push for a national framework comes as Somalia seeks to make greater use of its strategic position along the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, key routes for international shipping. Better-coordinated policies could help address regulatory gaps and improve the delivery of port services.

However, the government has yet to publish details of the draft’s main provisions, including whether it will introduce changes to port regulation, private investment, maritime safety or coordination between federal and port authorities.

The consultation is part of wider efforts by the Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport to strengthen the policies governing the sector.