Marrakech, Morocco(SONNA)-The Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Mahmoud Ahmed Abdullahi (Abukaate), participated in the Second African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Business Forum, held in Marrakech, Morocco.
The two-day forum officially opened on Thursday, December 11, under the theme “Together for the Efficient Implementation of the AfCFTA.” The event brought together African ministers of trade, heads of trade and business institutions, and private sector leaders from across the continent to discuss practical and coordinated approaches to accelerating the effective implementation of the AfCFTA.
During the forum, Deputy Minister Abdullahi held high-level bilateral meetings with senior AfCFTA officials, the Prime Minister of Morocco, the Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade, as well as ministers of trade from Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Djibouti. These discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment cooperation, and enhancing Somalia’s role in Africa’s economic integration.
The Deputy Minister’s participation underscores Somalia’s strong commitment to regional and continental trade integration, the effective implementation of the AfCFTA, and the pursuit of new trade and investment opportunities across Africa. It also reflects the country’s efforts to raise its profile and engagement within continental economic and business platforms.
The AfCFTA, a flagship initiative of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aims to create a single continental market for goods and services, covering 54 African countries with a combined GDP exceeding USD 3.4 trillion. The Business Forum serves as a key platform for advancing this strategic initiative, which is widely regarded as essential to Africa’s long-term economic growth and sustainable development.
