About The Bill

Somalia signed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement in 2018, marking an important commitment towards regional economic integration. However, despite this early step, Somalia did not initially ratify the agreement, which delayed the country's full participation in AfCFTA’s trade benefits. This signatory status demonstrated Somalia’s interest in joining a pan-African economic framework aimed at enhancing trade relations and fostering economic growth across member states. In August 2020, a significant milestone was reached when Somalia's cabinet officially approved the AfCFTA treaty for ratification. This approval indicated the federal government’s intention to proceed towards formalizing Somalia’s commitment to the agreement. The cabinet’s endorsement was critical as it laid the groundwork for the next steps, including parliamentary consideration and eventual ratification, reflecting Somalia’s endorsement to integrate more fully into Africa’s free trade area. Further advancing these efforts, the Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Federal Government of Somalia developed a National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy, which was validated in November 2023. This strategic framework outlines Somalia’s pathway for effectively implementing the treaties’ provisions, ensuring that the country can leverage the opportunities created by AfCFTA through improved trade policies, capacity-building, and regulatory reforms. The strategy embodies a practical plan to translate the agreement into tangible economic benefits for Somalia. On 20 October 2025, Somali civil society observers from Somalia Non-State Actors SONSA engaged under the GoleKaab Project promoting parliamentary transparency and accountability, played an active role in observing the parliamentary process related to AfCFTA. The 6th meeting of the 7th Plenary Session of the 11th House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia focused on the third reading and approval of the AfCFTA Agreement. The session, chaired by Speaker H.E. Hon. Adan Mohamed Nur, overwhelming support with 145 MPs voting in favor, one abstention, and none opposing. This parliamentary approval signifies a key step towards Somalia’s formal ratification and integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area. The importance of Somalia’s ratification of AfCFTA lies not only in economic opportunity but also in strengthening Somalia’s regional cooperation and trade diplomacy. By becoming a full member, Somalia stands to benefit from increased market access, investment, and economic diversification, which are crucial for national development. The coordinated efforts by the government, parliament, and civil society highlight a concerted national commitment to embracing regional integration as a driver of economic progress.