Somalia has officially become the 50th country to join the African Continental Free Trade Area, submitting its instrument of ratification on September 5, 2026. The move grants Somali businesses access to a market of over 1.4 billion consumers following parliamentary approval and presidential assent.
Somalia formally ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement on September 5, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the Horn of Africa nation. Minister of Commerce and Industry Gamal Mohamed Hassan submitted the instrument of ratification to the African Union following approval by Parliament and presidential assent from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
National Coordination Office Established
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced in a statement issued Friday evening that the ratification completes the country’s domestic legal requirements. To manage the transition, the government established a National Coordination Office designed to lead and coordinate the domestic implementation of the trade agreement.
Government officials emphasize that the trade pact will open doors for domestic enterprises. The ministry stated that participation in the agreement will create greater opportunities for local enterprises to access continental markets, attract foreign investment, diversify exports and participate effectively in regional value chains, supporting the country’s broader economic development.
Somalia’s participation in the AfCFTA will create greater opportunities for local enterprises to access continental markets, attract foreign investment, diversify exports and participate effectively in regional value chains, supporting the country’s broader economic development,
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, via Xinhua
The AfCFTA aims to boost intra-African trade by lowering trade barriers and establishing a unified framework for the seamless movement of goods and services across the continent. The AfCFTA Secretariat congratulated Somalia on joining the free trade area and stated that it looks forward to supporting the country’s implementation efforts, noting that the milestone reaffirms Somalia’s commitment to Africa’s economic integration and strengthens collective efforts to build one African market.
African Union Welcomes Somalia at Addis Ababa Headquarters
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf welcomed Somalia’s ratification, describing it as an important step toward deeper integration into the continental market during a meeting with Minister Gamal at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa on Friday. Youssouf highlighted the country’s long-standing commercial traditions, entrepreneurial dynamism and historic trading links across Africa and beyond as assets that will contribute to intra-African trade and investment.
This milestone reaffirms Somalia’s commitment to Africa’s economic integration and strengthens our collective efforts to build one African market,
AfCFTA Secretariat, via Xinhua
Youssouf also commended Somalia’s progress in peace, security and stabilization, stating that sustained peace and stability are essential to unlocking the country’s economic potential and promoting inclusive development and regional integration. The AU chairperson welcomed developments in Somalia’s trade and investment landscape, including growing investor confidence and increased foreign investment, while stressing the importance of strengthening regional economic cooperation and trade connectivity.
During the meetings in Addis Ababa, Minister Gamal briefed AU leadership on the inaugural Horn of Africa Trade Ministers’ Meeting held under the Horn of Africa Initiative. That gathering brought together trade ministers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan, along with representatives from Sudan and key development partners, to discuss 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.
Minister Gamal 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, emphasizing the importance of sustained 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, stating that 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.
Practical Steps for Continental Market Participation
With ratification complete, Somalia’s attention now shifts to the practical steps required for Somali businesses and products to actively participate in the continental market.
The broader initiative, which has been in force since May 30, 2019, represents a progression of previous economic integration efforts and emerged against the visionary backdrop of Agenda 2063—a strategic framework for transforming Africa’s societies and economies inclusively and sustainably over a 50-year period spanning from 2013 to 2063.
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