By Abdirahman Omar - Reporter
Mogadishu, 16 August 2026 — Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Wamkele Mene arrived in Mogadishu on Sunday for an official visit at the invitation of the Federal Government of Somalia.
Mene and his delegation were received at Aden Adde International Airport by Minister of Commerce and Industry Gamal Mohamed Hassan.
The visit comes as Somalia moves to strengthen its participation in the continental trading system, with a focus on expanding trade opportunities, attracting investment and increasing market access for Somali products.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said the visit reflects Somalia’s commitment to trade and economic cooperation at the continental level, and to accelerating implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement.
The ministry said it is working to maximize opportunities under AfCFTA to broaden markets for locally produced goods, promote investment and create opportunities for Somali businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
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Mene’s visit is expected to further strengthen cooperation between Somalia and the AfCFTA Secretariat and advance steps to enhance Somalia’s participation in the continent’s single market.
On July 31, 2026, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signed the AfCFTA Agreement into law, following its ratification by the Federal Parliament on Oct. 20, 2025.
The AfCFTA brings together Africa’s national markets into a single continental trading framework covering 55 African Union member states and more than 1.4 billion people.
For Somalia, the agreement offers potential to leverage its strategic location, extensive coastline and position along trade routes connecting the Horn of Africa, East Africa and the Gulf region.
During his visit, Mene is scheduled to meet President Hassan Sheikh, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Minister of Commerce and Industry. He will also meet representatives of the private sector and the Somalia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.