MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Cabinet has approved a draft Rules of Origin Bill, a key piece of legislation aimed at establishing the legal framework required to certify the origin of goods and facilitate the country’s participation in regional and continental free trade agreements.
The bill, approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, is designed to align Somalia’s trade regulations with international standards and obligations under regional economic integration frameworks, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to the government, the proposed law will create a formal system for determining and verifying the country of origin of goods. Such certification is essential for exporters seeking preferential tariff treatment under regional and African trade agreements, ensuring that only products meeting agreed rules of origin qualify for reduced or duty-free market access.
Officials said the legislation will enhance transparency and accountability in cross-border trade by providing clear procedures for issuing certificates of origin, preventing trade fraud, and ensuring compliance with international trade rules. The framework is also expected to strengthen customs administration and improve confidence among regional trading partners.
The government said the bill forms part of Somalia’s broader economic reform agenda aimed at expanding exports, diversifying the economy, and improving the country’s competitiveness in regional and global markets. By meeting rules of origin requirements, Somali producers and exporters are expected to gain greater access to new markets across Africa while benefiting from lower trade barriers.
The approval comes as Somalia continues efforts to deepen economic integration with neighboring countries and capitalize on opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area, the world’s largest free trade area by participating countries. The AfCFTA seeks to boost intra-African trade by reducing tariffs, harmonizing trade regulations, and creating a single market for goods and services across the continent.
The draft legislation will now be submitted to Somalia’s Federal Parliament for debate and approval before it can become law. Once enacted, officials say it will provide the legal foundation for issuing internationally recognized certificates of origin and strengthen Somalia’s ability to participate fully in preferential trade arrangements across Africa and the wider region.
