Somalia Moves Toward Implementing AfCFTA Agreement

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Ambassador Jamal Mohamed Hassan held a high-level meeting in Mogadishu with H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to advance Somalia’s transition from ratification to implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement, with a focus on enabling Somali businesses to access the continental market.

Following parliamentary ratification and H.E. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s assent on July 31, 2026, Somalia is preparing to implement the AfCFTA Agreement. The next formal step is the deposit of its Instrument of Ratification with the African Union, alongside preparations for Trade in Goods and Services.

The AfCFTA opens access to a continental market of more than 1.4 billion people. Somalia’s strategic location, extensive coastline and ports offer opportunities to expand exports, promote value addition, position the country as a regional trade gateway and create jobs at home.

Joint engagement between the AfCFTA Secretary-General and Somali businesses will continue on August 18. The Ministry remains focused on translating ratification into tangible trade outcomes, including Somalia’s first AfCFTA Certificate of Origin and first exports under AfCFTA preferences.