Somalia’s Council of Ministers has approved landmark legislation establishing the country’s first statutory framework for certifying the origin of domestic products.
This pivotal “Made in Somalia” bill aims to enhance export competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and smoothly integrate local manufacturing into global markets.
For decades, domestic businesses struggled against onerous export barriers caused by the lack of an internationally recognized certification system for local goods.
The proposed legislation introduces a robust regime for issuing Certificates of Origin, providing buyers with vital regulatory credibility and product traceability.
Commerce and Industry Minister Jamal Mohamed Hassan highlighted that the new rules will significantly safeguard the integrity of the national brand.
This major policy shift directly follows President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement into law.
By establishing clear rules of origin, Somalia prepares its local industries to secure preferential tariff treatments across Africa’s unified single market.
Government officials expect this regulatory certainty to stimulate local manufacturing, foster economic modernization, and encourage substantial domestic value addition.
The framework now heads to the federal parliament for debate, marking a historic step toward unlocking the country’s full economic potential.