Somalia deepens EAC integration with NTB committee launch
What you need to know:
- The event, held from April 13 to 15, 2025, at the Afrik Hotel in Mogadishu, was jointly organised by the EAC Secretariat and the Government of Somalia.
Dar es Salaam. Somalia has strengthened its commitment to regional integration following the official launch of its National Monitoring Committee (NMC) on the Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), marking a significant milestone in aligning with East African Community (EAC) protocols.
The event, held from April 13 to 15, 2025, at the Afrik Hotel in Mogadishu, was jointly organised by the EAC Secretariat and the Government of Somalia.
The new development comes months after Somalia’s admission into the regional bloc and signals the country’s intent to conform to the EAC Customs Union and Common Market frameworks.
Speaking during the launch, EAC Deputy Secretary General (Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs), Ms Annette Ssemuwemba, hailed Somalia’s swift progress, noting that the formation of the NMC reflects both institutional preparedness and political will.
“The launch of the National Monitoring Committee is more than a procedural step; it signifies institutional readiness and a shared commitment to unlocking regional trade opportunities,” reads part of the statement signed by the EAC Secretariat Senior Public Relations Officer at the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department, Mr Simon Owaka.
“Somalia’s accession to the EAC brings dynamic potential and opens a new frontier for intra-regional trade,” reads another part.
Ms Ssemuwemba underscored the critical role NMCs play in eliminating NTBs and promoting trade within the region, in line with the EAC’s goal of increasing intra-regional trade by 40 percent by 2030.
The Director General for EAC Affairs at Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to regional trade integration.
“This launch reflects not only our institutional preparedness but also our political commitment to advancing regional trade,” he said.
Mr Ibrahim noted that Somalia has already established several technical committees to accelerate the implementation of EAC protocols and has intensified bilateral trade engagements, particularly with Kenya.
The newly formed NMC includes representatives from 16 public institutions and eight private sector associations.
"The NMC will be chaired by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with the Somalia Chamber of Commerce and Industry acting as co-chair," according to the statement.
The committee is mandated to identify, report, and resolve NTBs through established regional platforms, including the EAC NTB mobile application, the tripartite online reporting platform, and quarterly national coordination meetings.
During the event, Somalia’s NTB Elimination Workplan was finalised and adopted.
The committee members also received training on their roles and responsibilities in promoting a transparent and predictable trade environment.
The launch attracted participants from various government ministries and agencies, private sector players, and technical experts from the EAC Secretariat.
