Somalia, Tanzania Pledge to Boost Trade and Investment Ties

MOGADISHU – The Minister of Commerce and Industry for Somalia, Gamal Mohamed Hassan, held productive talks with Tanzania’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Judith Silvio Kapinga, to discuss enhancing trade relations between the two nations and stressing the importance of expanding business prospects for both countries.

The dialogue centered on fostering private sector expansion, drawing investment, and employment generation. Both parties renewed their dedication to fortifying bilateral trade connections and increasing cooperation to promote mutual economic objectives and sustainable development.

Minister Hassan has been actively engaged in expanding Somalia’s international trade partnerships, having recently held talks with Italian Ambassador Pier Mario Daccò focused on realigning bilateral relations toward enhanced economic integration and industrial advancement.

Joint Cooperation Commission Established

The talks follow a broader effort to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the two East African nations. Tanzania and Somalia agreed to establish a Joint Cooperation Commission to boost trade and investments. The agreement was reached during discussions between Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr Samwel Shelukindo, and the Permanent Secretary of Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The discussions also agreed to implement five memoranda of understanding signed in December 2024, including one on immigration matters. Additionally, Tanzania welcomed Somalia to begin constructing its embassy buildings in the country’s capital, Dodoma.

Somalia has been actively seeking stronger cooperation on immigration and security with Tanzania, with Ambassador Ilyas Ali Hassan holding talks with Tanzania’s Commissioner General of Immigration Services, Dr. Anna Makakala, to deepen cooperation on immigration, trade, and security.

Somalia’s Integration into the East African Community

The trade discussions come as Somalia continues to deepen its integration into the East African Community (EAC). Conflict-weary Somalia became the eighth member of the EAC, a move hailed as a milestone for the troubled Horn of Africa country. Somalia’s population of 17 million will boost the EAC’s market to more than 300 million people as the bloc seeks to expand free trade across the region.

Somalia has reinforced its commitment to regional cooperation and development during EAC ministerial meetings in Arusha, with the country’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, leading the delegation alongside Mohamed Fatiir, Director General for EAC Affairs. The discussions focused on advancing Somalia’s regional initiatives, securing institutional support, and ensuring Somali nationals have greater opportunities for recruitment within EAC structures.

Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Ilyas Ali Hassan, actively participated in the Arusha Economic Forum, a key regional platform aimed at fostering economic cooperation and investment. His participation underscored Somalia’s commitment to strengthening regional economic ties and exploring avenues for trade and investment collaboration.

East African Logistics Hub Launch

Somalia has welcomed the launch of the East African Commercial and Logistics Centre in Dar es Salaam, officially inaugurated by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Somalia was represented at the high-level event by its Chargé d’Affaires to Tanzania, Abdulkadir Hassan Jama, who underscored the significance of the project for Somalia’s economic ambitions and regional connectivity.

The Centre is designed to streamline cross-border trade, warehousing, re-exports, and logistics services, benefiting both coastal and landlocked countries. Somalia, with its long Indian Ocean coastline, sees the project as complementary to its efforts to become a trade and transit hub in the Horn of Africa.

Private Sector Development and Investment

Minister Hassan has been actively engaging with local business leaders to promote industrial development, convening a meeting with key business figures from the Benadir region to discuss the future of the nation’s commercial landscape. The discussions focused on identifying persistent obstacles to business growth and creating favorable conditions for sustainable investment.

Participants examined approaches to foster a business atmosphere that attracts capital and simplifies regulatory procedures for both local and foreign commerce. Minister Hassan expressed the Federal Government’s dedication to working closely with private enterprises, noting that the Ministry is actively focused on developing policies that meet the business community’s requirements.

Somalia’s Global Trade Engagement

Minister Gamal Mohamed Hassan represented Somalia at the 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon, positioning Somalia at the core of global economic decision-making. On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Hassan held productive talks with his Turkish counterpart, Ömer Bolat, discussing strengthening Somalia-Türkiye trade, boosting volumes, and expanding cooperation.

Way Forward for Somalia-Tanzania Trade

The meeting between Minister Gamal Mohamed Hassan and Minister Judith Silvio Kapinga represents a continued commitment to deepening economic ties between Somalia and Tanzania. As Somalia seeks to diversify its economy, attract foreign investment, and deepen regional economic integration through the EAC, Tanzania is viewed as a key trading partner within the bloc.

Both ministers have emphasized the importance of joint mechanisms to ease the movement of goods and people, with improved visa policies and logistical links expected to unlock new opportunities for businesses and citizens on both sides.

The establishment of the Joint Cooperation Commission and the implementation of signed MOUs provide a framework for continued collaboration. As Somalia continues to rebuild its economy and develop its trade infrastructure, cooperation with regional partners like Tanzania will be vital to accelerating inclusive economic growth and integration into global markets.