MOGADISHU, (HAN) — The 7th session, second meeting of Somalia’s House of the People took place today at the parliament headquarters in Mogadishu, chaired by Second Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Omar Abshirow. The main agenda of the sitting was the second reading of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
The AfCFTA is a strategic agreement aimed at creating a unified trade market across African nations, facilitating the free movement of goods, services, investment, and labor. During the session, members of parliament shared their views and recommendations on the deal. Several lawmakers expressed strong support, noting that Somalia stands to benefit from increased economic opportunities, trade growth, and greater integration into Africa’s regional markets.
However, some MPs raised concerns about the potential impact of the agreement on local small industries and called for a careful review of certain provisions to ensure the deal does not harm the domestic economy.
Closing the session, Deputy Speaker Abshirow directed the Foreign Affairs Committee to closely consult with the Trade and Economic Committees to assess lawmakers’ feedback and incorporate their recommendations before the agreement proceeds to its third reading.
“This agreement is crucial for strengthening Somalia’s connection with the rest of Africa, but we must carefully examine its implications, opportunities, and challenges,” Abshirow said.
In addition, MPs were presented with the national financial report for the year ending December 31, 2024, as part of the day’s agenda to provide a comprehensive overview of the country’s economic situation.
