Somalia’s Deputy Minister Engages in AfCFTA Business Forum in Morocco. Marrakech, Morocco (SONNA) — December 16, 2025 — The Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry for Somalia, H. E.
Mahmoud Ahmed Abdullahi (Abukaate), has actively participated in the Second African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Business Forum, which opened on December 11 in Marrakech, Morocco.
The event, themed “Together for the Efficient Implementation of the AfCFTA,” gathered African trade ministers, heads of trade and business institutions, and private sector leaders to discuss strategies for accelerating the effective implementation of the AfCFTA. Deputy Minister Abdullahi engaged in high-level bilateral meetings with senior AfCFTA officials, the Prime Minister of Morocco, the Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade, and trade ministers from Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Djibouti.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment cooperation, and enhancing Somalia’s role in Africa’s economic integration.
The participation of Somalia’s Deputy Minister underscores the country’s commitment to regional and continental trade integration, effective implementation of the AfCFTA, and pursuit of new trade and investment opportunities across Africa. It also reflects Somalia’s efforts to raise its profile and engagement within continental economic and business platforms.
The AfCFTA, a key initiative of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aims to create a single continental market for goods and services, encompassing 54 African countries with a combined GDP of over USD 3. 4 trillion.
The Business Forum serves as a pivotal platform for advancing this strategic initiative, widely regarded as essential for Africa’s long-term economic growth and sustainable development.
Further details are expected regarding the outcomes of the forum and the potential impact on Somalia’s economic relations with other African countries.
The government has not yet commented on specific agreements or commitments made during the forum.
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Source: sonna.
