Somalia begins preparations to join Africa’s continental free trade market

Wednesday August 19, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia is moving toward implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) after completing its parliamentary ratification process.

Somali Trade and Industry Minister Gamal Mohamed Hassan met AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene in Mogadishu on Tuesday to discuss how Somalia can benefit from the continental market.

The meeting focused on Somalia’s transition from ratification to implementation, including preparations needed to allow Somali businesses to trade under the AfCFTA framework.

Somalia’s Federal Parliament ratified the agreement, and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signed the ratification bill on July 31. The government’s next step is to formally deposit Somalia’s instrument of ratification with the African Union.

The two sides discussed rules of origin, certificates of origin, tariffs, non-tariff barriers and measures to prepare Somali businesses to compete in the African market.

The AfCFTA links a market of more than 1.4 billion people, with the combined economies of participating countries estimated at more than $3.4 trillion.

Somalia, which has Africa’s longest coastline and sits along major trade routes connecting the Horn of Africa, East Africa and the Gulf, sees the agreement as an opportunity to expand exports and attract investment.

The government has identified processed meat, frozen and processed fish, hides and skins, sesame and rubber among products that could benefit from greater access to African markets.

The discussions also covered the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System PAPSS, which is designed to facilitate cross-border payments in Africa, as well as the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, which supports countries and businesses dealing with the economic costs of implementing the agreement.

Somalia is also seeking a role in shaping the continent’s emerging digital trade system. The government says its experience with mobile money and digital commerce could help it contribute to discussions on the future of digital trade under the AfCFTA.

Mene’s visit is expected to conclude with meetings with Somali business leaders and the Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The discussions will focus on opportunities in goods and services, the role of the private sector and access to the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund.