Somalia, Tanzania Seek To Boost Trade and Investment Ties | MOGADISHU: Somalia and Tanzania have pledged to strengthen trade and investment cooperation following talks between senior government officials aimed at expanding economic ties between the two East African nations.
Commerce and Industry minister Ambassador Gamal Mohamed Hassan, met Tanzania’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Judith Silvio Kapinga, to discuss ways of increasing bilateral trade, supporting private sector growth and creating new business opportunities. According to a statement issued after the meeting, the ministers explored measures to attract investment, encourage entrepreneurship and promote greater commercial engagement between businesses in both countries.
The discussions come as Somalia seeks to diversify its economy, attract foreign investment and deepen regional economic integration through the East African Community (EAC), which it joined in 2024. Tanzania, one of East Africa’s largest economies, is viewed as a key trading partner within the bloc.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade relations and enhancing cooperation in areas that support economic growth, job creation and sustainable development. Analysts say closer economic ties between Somalia and Tanzania could help unlock new opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, livestock, fisheries, manufacturing, logistics and maritime trade, while improving connectivity between the Horn of Africa and the wider East African region.
The meeting reflects growing efforts by East African governments to boost intra-African trade and investment as regional economies seek to capitalize on opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and expanding regional markets.
The issue is likely to carry broader political weight as Somalia navigates federal power-sharing, regional competition and the search for stronger public institutions.
