By Goth Mohamed Goth
NAIROBI, 3 June 2026 – The Minister of Finance and Economic Development of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Abdillahi Hassan Adan, today took part in a high-level meeting convened by the National Oversight Committee on African Trade (NOC), alongside the Management Board and Advisory Board of Trademark Africa (TMA).
The gathering brought together senior government officials, development partners, and regional leaders from across Africa. It was co-chaired by former Ethiopian Prime Minister Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, who serves as Chair of the TMA Management Board, and Mr. Leo Svahnback, Deputy Ambassador of Finland to East Africa and Chair of the TMA Advisory Board.
Notable participants included Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Dr. Alemu Sime Feyisa, along with other ministers, officials, and representatives from various African countries and international development agencies.
Commitment to Regional Trade Integration
Addressing the forum, Minister Abdillahi Hassan Adan reaffirmed Somaliland’s strong commitment to deepening regional trade integration, fostering economic cooperation, and facilitating the seamless movement of goods and services. He described trade as not only a driver of economic growth but also a crucial instrument for peace, employment generation, and long-term economic resilience.
The Minister outlined Somaliland’s strategic investments in trade-related infrastructure, notably the ongoing modernization and expansion of the Port of Berbera. He also highlighted efforts to reform customs procedures, improve supply chain logistics, enhance transport connectivity, and boost the competitiveness of regional trade corridors.
Key Discussion Themes
Discussions centered on two main priorities:
- The role of trade in job creation.
- The influence of global dynamics on African trade.
Participants exchanged views on reducing non-tariff barriers, lowering high transaction costs, streamlining customs operations, strengthening digital trade systems, and harmonizing regional policies.
Call for Stronger Collaboration
Minister Abdillahi Hassan Adan reiterated Somaliland’s dedication to customs modernization, digital transformation, regional cooperation, and private-sector-led economic growth. He called for enhanced collaboration among African governments, development partners, and regional institutions to unlock new trade and investment opportunities, and to foster a stable environment conducive to sustainable and trusted economic development.
The meeting served as an important platform for African leaders to share experiences and develop practical solutions to emerging trade challenges, while reinforcing joint efforts to accelerate economic integration across the continent.
