AU welcomes Somalia’s ratification of continental free trade agreement

Saturday September 5, 2026

Addis Ababa (HOL) — African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has congratulated Somalia on its ratification of the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area, describing it as an important step toward deeper integration into the continental market.

Youssouf made the remarks during a meeting with Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Gamal Mohamed Hassan, at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa on Friday.

The AU chairperson said Somalia’s ratification of the AfCFTA advances Africa’s wider economic integration agenda and strengthens the country’s role in regional and continental trade.

He said Somalia has significant potential to contribute to intra-African trade and investment, citing the country’s long-standing commercial traditions, entrepreneurial dynamism and historic trading links across Africa and beyond.

Youssouf also commended Somalia’s progress in peace, security and stabilization, saying sustained peace and stability are essential to unlocking the country’s economic potential and promoting inclusive development and regional integration.

During the meeting, Minister Gamal briefed the AU chairperson on the inaugural Horn of Africa Trade Ministers’ Meeting, held in Addis Ababa under the Horn of Africa Initiative.

The meeting brought together trade ministers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan, along with representatives from Sudan and key development partners.

Officials discussed practical measures to strengthen regional trade and economic cooperation, including the establishment of a Trade Facilitation Roadmap and a regional coordination mechanism aimed at addressing trade barriers and promoting economic growth and integration.

Gamal also briefed Youssouf on developments in Somalia’s trade and investment landscape, including growing investor confidence and increased foreign investment.

The AU chairperson welcomed the developments and stressed the importance of strengthening regional economic cooperation and trade connectivity as pillars of sustainable peace, stability and prosperity in the Horn of Africa.

“We expressed appreciation for the AU’s continued support to Somalia’s stabilization efforts and paid tribute to the Troop-Contributing Countries for their commitment and sacrifices in support of peace and security in the country,” Gamal said.

The minister also emphasized the importance of sustained AU and international support as Somalia works to assume greater responsibility and ownership for its national security and stabilization.

Youssouf reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s path toward lasting peace, security and stability.

He said the AU would continue working closely with Somalia’s federal government, Troop-Contributing Countries and international partners to support Somali-led efforts to progressively take responsibility for the country’s security and build a peaceful, stable and prosperous Somalia.