Somali Federal Parliament Ratifies African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement

MOGADISHU (SONNA) – The Federal Parliament of Somalia achieved a significant milestone in the nation's economic integration today, formally ratifying the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Sixth Meeting of the Seventh Session of the House of the People was chaired by Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madoobe), accompanied by First Deputy Speaker Sadiya Yasin Haji Samatar. The meeting commenced with a quorum of 146 Members of Parliament. The agenda included the third reading and subsequent voting on the AfCFTA agreement, which was submitted to the House by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Following the vote, the results were announced by Speaker Sheikh Adan Madoobe:

• 145 Members of Parliament voted in favor of the agreement.
• 1 Member of Parliament voted against the agreement.
• No members abstained from the vote.

The ratification marks a critical step that will officially integrate Somalia into the world's largest free trade area, opening vast opportunities for market access and economic growth. In addition to the vote, Members of Parliament were also issued reports for the second reading of two key legislative proposals: the National Payment System Bill and the Revised Counter-Piracy and Anti-Kidnapping Bill (Law No. 36 of April 30, 1975).