MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia is moving to expand its role in African trade after becoming the 50th country to ratify the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The milestone is being accompanied by renewed efforts to improve regional commerce and attract investment into Somalia’s economy. The African Union said Somalia’s ratification could deepen its integration into the continental market and strengthen opportunities for intra-African trade.

Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Gamal Mohamed Hassan, has also participated in discussions with trade ministers from across the Horn of Africa aimed at developing practical measures to reduce barriers to cross-border commerce.

Trade facilitation is emerging as a major priority, with regional officials examining ways to improve the movement of goods and strengthen economic cooperation.

Somalia’s strategic coastline, commercial links and growing private sector could give businesses opportunities to expand into wider African markets.

The African Union has noted growing investor confidence and increasing foreign investment in Somalia, suggesting that improved regional integration could create additional opportunities for businesses and investors.

For Somali companies, AfCFTA membership could provide access to a much larger continental market, particularly if customs procedures, logistics and other trade barriers continue to improve.

The development could therefore mark an important step in Somalia’s efforts to transform regional integration into new trade, investment and business opportunities.