Somalia launches National Monitoring Committee to eliminate non-tariff barriers

MOGADISHU, April 22, 2025: Somalia has officially launched its National Monitoring Committee [NMC] on the Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers [NTBs], marking a major milestone in its integration into the East African Community [EAC] Customs Union and Common Market.

The launch took place during a three-day workshop held from 13^th to 15^th April, 2025 at Afrik Hotel in Mogadishu. The event was jointly organised by the EAC Secretariat and the Government of Somalia.

In her remarks, Annette Ssemuwemba, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, commended Somalia for this significant step forward on integration journey.

“The launch of the National Monitoring Committee is more than a procedural step; it is a symbol of institutional readiness and a shared commitment to unlocking regional trade opportunities. Somalia’s entry into the EAC brings dynamic potential and opens a new trade frontier,” said Ssemuwemba.

Ssemuwemba underscored the strategic role of NMCs in driving the EAC’s goal of increasing intra-regional trade to 40 percent by 2030.

“We count on Somalia’s NMC to actively eliminate NTBs, engage the private sector, and collaborate with regional counterparts to build a barrier-free trading space,” added the DSG.

Delivering the keynote address, Mohammed Isaac Ibrahim, the Director General for EAC Affairs at Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasised the country’s readiness to support EAC integration objectives.

“This launch reflects not only our institutional preparedness but also our political commitment to advancing regional trade and integration,” said Ibrahim.

Ibrahim disclosed that Somalia had established various technical committees to fast track the implementation of the EAC Customs Union and Common Market protocols, as well as other ongoing bilateral trade engagements, particularly with Kenya.

The establishment of the NMC reflects Somalia’s strong political will to foster a predictable, transparent, and efficient trade environment. It also underlines the country’s commitment to regional trade integration. The Somalia NMC structure includes representatives from 16 public sector institutions and eight key private sector associations. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will serve as Chair, while the Somalia Chamber of Commerce and Industry will act as Co-Chair.

The NMC will lead the identification, reporting, and resolution of NTBs through regional mechanisms such as the EAC NTB Mobile Application, the Tripartite Online Reporting Platform, and quarterly national coordination meetings.

In addition to formally inaugurating the NMC, the workshop finalised and adopted Somalia’s NTB Elimination Workplan as well as strengthened the capacity of nominated NMC members.

The workshop brought together officials from line ministries, departments and agencies in Somalia, representatives of private sector associations and technical officers from the EAC Secretariat.

https://thecooperator.news/wsacco-engages-with-ugandan-troops-in-somalia-drc/

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