Minister of Commerce and Industry @mocisom
Mogadishu, Somalia
Joined June 2015
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I am pleased that two productive days of discussions and agreements on trade, investment and partnerships at the EU-Somalia Business Forum in Mogadishu have concluded successfully.
Hundreds of Somali companies and dozens of European firms took part in this important event, jointly organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the EU Delegation in Somalia. It marks a clear step forward in our drive to shift from aid to trade and investment.
I thank the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, fellow ministers, ambassadors, officials, the Chamber of Commerce and business leaders from both sides for their support.
Somalia remains firmly committed to expanding trade, attracting investment and removing barriers for our private sector.
Amb. Gamal M Hassan retweeted
The Minister of Commerce and Industry, H.E. @AmbGamal held a productive discussion with Ms. Yvonne Lokko of @UNIDO on strengthening cooperation in industrial development, with a focus on industrial zones, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and agro-industrial development in #Somalia.
Great meeting with H.E. Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, Egypt's Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, on the sidelines of the Alamein Africa Forum. We discussed practical ways to expand trade and investment between Somalia and Egypt and strengthen ties between our private sectors.
Today, together with H.E. Deputy Prime Minister @HonJibrilAHaji, I had the honor of officially opening the Somali Manufacturing, Industrial and Processing Expo (SOMIPEX) in Mogadishu.
A major milestone of the event was the official launch of the “Made in Somalia” mark—a national certification designed to identify goods produced and processed in Somalia.
This initiative will help raise production standards, strengthen confidence in Somali-made products, and expand their presence in domestic, regional, and international markets. It reflects our commitment to building a competitive industrial sector that creates jobs, adds value to our resources, and expands Somalia’s exports.
Honoured to address the East Africa CEO & Investment Forum in Nairobi. I emphasized that regional integration must deliver practical results: easier trade, stronger investment, competitive businesses and more jobs.
Somalia is committed to playing its part—opening new opportunities for investment while strengthening East Africa’s links to the Gulf, the Middle East and Asia.
Amb. Gamal M Hassan retweeted
The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, this morning received H.E. Gamal Mohamed Hassan, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Federal Republic of #Somalia, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, during a courtesy visit.
The Chairperson congratulated Somalia on the ratification of the Agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as an important step towards deepening Somalia’s integration into the continental market & advancing the objectives of Africa’s economic integration agenda. He underscored Somalia’s significant potential to contribute to intra-African trade & investment, noting the country’s long-standing commercial traditions, entrepreneurial dynamism & historic trading links across the continent & beyond.
The Chairperson @ymahmoudali also commended the progress made by Somalia in advancing peace, security & stabilisation, emphasising that sustained peace & stability remain essential to unlocking the country’s economic potential & promoting inclusive development & regional integration.
Minister Gamal briefed the Chairperson on the inaugural Horn of Africa Trade Ministers’ Meeting, held in Addis Ababa under the framework of the Horn of Africa Initiative. The meeting brought together Trade Ministers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya & South Sudan, alongside representatives of Sudan & key development partners, to explore practical measures to enhance regional trade & economic cooperation, & establishment of a Trade Facilitation Roadmap and a regional coordination mechanism aimed at addressing barriers to trade and promoting greater economic growth and integration.
The Minister also provided an overview of the positive developments in Somalia’s trade & investment landscape, including growing investor confidence & increasing foreign investment. The Chairperson welcomed these developments, stressing the importance of strengthening regional economic cooperation & trade connectivity as important pillars for sustainable peace, stability and prosperity in the Horn of Africa.
Minister Gamal expressed appreciation for the AU’s continued support to Somalia’s stabilisation efforts & paid tribute to the Troop-Contributing Countries for their commitment & sacrifices in support of peace & security in the country. He underscored the importance of sustained AU & international support as Somalia continues its efforts to progressively assume greater responsibility & ownership for its national security & stabilisation.
In this regard, the Chairperson reaffirmed the AU’s principled commitment to supporting Somalia’s journey towards lasting peace, security & stability. He assured the Minister that the AU would continue to work closely with the Federal Government of Somalia, Troop-Contributing Countries & international partners to support Somali-led efforts towards the progressive assumption of responsibility for the country’s security & the realisation of a peaceful, stable & prosperous Somalia.
@mocisom @MOFASomalia @TheVillaSomalia
Read @ au.int/en/pressreleases/2026…
Today in Addis Ababa, I had an excellent meeting with H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. We discussed Somalia’s relations with the African Union, the deposit of our AfCFTA instrument of ratification, and the broader situation in the region. I also conveyed Somalia’s deep appreciation for the African Union’s longstanding support and the sacrifices made by our African brothers and sisters in support of Somalia’s peace and stability.
It was a pleasure to meet H.E. Dr. Labanya Margaret Mathya, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of South Sudan, on the sidelines of the Horn of Africa Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Addis Ababa. We discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade, widen economic cooperation, and address non-tariff barriers affecting commerce between our two countries.
Pleased to meet H.E. Orbis Helaf Orbis, Minister of Commerce and Tourism of the Republic of Djibouti, on the sidelines of the Horn of Africa Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Addis Ababa. We discussed bilateral trade and investment opportunities, and practical ways to strengthen commercial ties between our two countries and business communities including the finalization of formal trade agreement.
Honored to chair the inaugural Horn of Africa Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Addis Ababa today under the @HoAInitiative. Joined by Trade Ministers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan, alongside representatives from Sudan and key development partners. We agreed to enhance trade facilitation, remove cross-border barriers, and establish the HoA Trade Facilitation Roadmap and Committee to advance regional trade and economic growth.
Ahead of the Horn of Africa Trade Ministers’ Meeting, I met with my Kenyan counterpart, Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry. We took stock of where Somalia–Kenya trade stands and agreed to work toward a formal bilateral trade framework — removing barriers and making trade simpler and more predictable for businesses on both sides.
Pleased to host the first Somalia–China Business Networking Forum in Mogadishu today, bringing Somali and Chinese businesses together to explore opportunities and build direct partnerships.
Our focus is on developing industrial zones that allow us to produce and process more Somali goods at home, add value before they leave our shores, and increase our exports to China and other markets.
Today in Mogadishu, I met with H.E. Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwembe, Deputy Secretary-General of the East African Community (EAC). We discussed practical ways for the Federal Government of Somalia and the EAC Secretariat to work together to reduce trade barriers, attract greater investment, and advance Somalia’s economic integration within the region. @mocisom
Today in Mogadishu, I delivered the opening keynote at the East Africa Business Council (EABC) CEOs Trade & Investment Roundtable, bringing together business leaders from Somalia and across the EAC.
I reiterated Somalia’s commitment to translating our EAC membership into more trade, investment, stronger businesses and jobs. Regional integration must deliver tangible benefits for our people and economies. @mocisom
Somalia is moving from ratification to actually trading under the @AfCFTA. I sat down with Secretary-General H.E. @MeneWamkele today in Mogadishu to talk about what needs to happen next—getting our rules and certificates of origin in place, making digital trade work, and making it easier for Somali businesses to reach markets across Africa.
Amb. Gamal M Hassan retweeted
Minister @AmbGamal received H.E. @MeneWamkele, Secretary-General of @AfCFTA & his delegation upon their arrival in #Mogadishu today.
The visit underscores #Somalia’s commitment to advancing AfCFTA implementation, expanding trade & deepening continental economic integration.
