What Changed
- Somalia advanced technical documentation and market access offers in goods and services for its WTO accession.
- Delegates held dedicated sessions to harmonize WTO accession with EAC integration and AfCFTA implementation.
- Stakeholders conducted the initial consultation for the Trade for Peace Somalia Initiative and planned Trade for Peace Academy.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) conducted a joint in-person mission to Mogadishu to assist Somalia in preparing for the next phase of its WTO accession process. Coordinated by Somalia’s Office of the Chief Trade Negotiator, Sadiq Abdikarim Haji Ibrahim, the week-long event convened technical experts across various Somali ministries and government agencies to advance substantive accession documentation.
The technical sessions focused on three main pillars: finalizing written responses to questions raised by WTO members during the first Working Party meeting held in February 2025, completing supporting accession documents, and formulating Somalia’s initial market access offers for trade in goods and services. The deliberations were supported by ITC adviser Axel Addy, former Trade Minister and Chief Trade Negotiator of Liberia.
In addition to WTO-specific technical work, the delegation held a dedicated working session to align Somalia’s WTO accession with its regional economic integration efforts. These include its integration into the East African Community (EAC) and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). During the mission, the delegation attended the East African Conference (ECON) 2026, which addressed the domestic legal incorporation of EAC treaties, strategic investments, and education.
Furthermore, the visit marked the first stakeholder consultation for the upcoming Trade for Peace Somalia Initiative, which will establish a Trade for Peace Academy supported by Interpeace and the WTO. The joint technical activity was made possible through the 'Making Trade Happen' programme, funded by the United Kingdom and implemented by the ITC.
The Government of Somalia reaffirmed its commitment to completing the necessary technical inputs to hold the second meeting of the Working Party on the Accession of Somalia in 2027.
Who May Be Affected
Government agencies, trade negotiators, foreign investors, and international trading businesses operating in or trading with Somalia and the East African region.
Cross-Border Context
Multilateral accession process involving WTO, ITC, regional integration frameworks (EAC, AfCFTA), and funding from the United Kingdom.
What to check next
- Official announcements regarding the submission of initial market access offers and the scheduling of the second Working Party meeting targeted for 2027.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.