Somalia becomes 50th Country to ratify AfCFTA agreement

Somalia has officially deposited its instrument of ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement, becoming the 50th country to formally ratify the continental trade pact.

According to Somalia’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Minister of Commerce and Industry Ambassador Gamal Mohamed Hassan deposited the ratification instrument with the African Union Commission at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa on September 4, 2026.

The ministry said the deposit completes Somalia’s formal ratification process following approval by the Federal Parliament and assent by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf congratulated Somalia on reaching what he described as a historic milestone and reaffirmed the AU’s readiness to support the country in implementing its obligations under the agreement.

“Today, Somalia becomes the 50th State Party to the AfCFTA,” Minister Gamal said. “Our work now is to put the necessary tariff and customs arrangements in place, help Somali businesses meet the requirements for preferential trade, and move towards our first shipment under the Agreement. Ratification must translate into wider markets, stronger businesses and more jobs.”

The Somali government said membership in the AfCFTA will create greater opportunities for Somali businesses to access markets across Africa, attract foreign investment, diversify exports and participate in regional value chains.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will lead the national implementation process, including efforts to align Somalia’s laws, policies and trade procedures with its AfCFTA commitments.

The ministry has also established a National AfCFTA Coordination Office to coordinate implementation among federal institutions, Federal Member States, the private sector and other stakeholders.

Somalia’s accession marks a significant step in its efforts to deepen economic integration with the rest of Africa. The government now faces the task of translating the formal ratification into practical market access, improved trade infrastructure and increased participation by Somali businesses in continental commerce.

Mustaqbal