From paper to digital: Somalia’s standards services move online
With support from HoA DRIVE Somalia, SOBS is building a unified digital platform for businesses to access standards, apply for certification and verify certificates.
Read storyExplore a theme
Trade facilitation
Simpler procedures and more predictable routes to regional markets.
About our work in this area
Africa IP Day: Somalia’s intellectual property reform
What proposed reforms could mean for Somali brands, products and creative work.
Explore resource
Somalia moves from AfCFTA ratification to implementation
Somalia became the AfCFTA’s 50th State Party after depositing its instrument of ratification with the African Union on 4 September 2026.
Read news
Horn of Africa trade ministers endorse regional trade roadmap
Ministers endorsed the 2026–2031 Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap and established a committee to follow up on cross-border reforms.
Read newsHorn of Africa Trade Ministers’ Meeting
Ministers endorsed a regional roadmap and agreed to establish a committee for follow-up on trade facilitation reforms.
View event
Somalia and Kenya work toward simpler cross-border trade
A bilateral discussion focused on more predictable trading conditions and practical steps to reduce barriers for small traders.
Read news
Protecting the value of Somali ideas and products
Somalia’s draft intellectual property framework addresses brands, copyright, product origin and the use of traditional knowledge.
Read story
Somalia develops its National Trade Policy
Government and business representatives reviewed Somalia’s proposed National Trade Policy 2027–2031 and the barriers facing traders.
Read news
Somali Cabinet approves Rules of Origin Bill
Cabinet approval advances a bill that would set out how Somali products qualify for Certificates of Origin under regional trade agreements.
Read news
From market access to measurable gains: Somalia’s trade delivery agenda
Somalia must turn regional market access into lower trade costs, stronger businesses and more competitive exports.
Read storyNational Trade Facilitation Committee roadmap workshop
Government and business representatives discussed trade bottlenecks, institutional responsibilities and priorities for a shared roadmap.
View event
Connecting information and traceability in livestock trade
Somalia presented its work on livestock market information and identification systems at the African Pastoral Markets Forum.
Read story
From Drought Payouts to Stronger Trade Systems: How HoA DRIVE Somalia Is Transforming the Livestock Economy
At a June mission in Nairobi, project partners reviewed drought protection, livestock finance and the systems being built for safer, more reliable trade.
Read news
From burden to solutions: Somalia’s DRIVE toward safer food and trusted markets
From local milk markets to livestock exports, food safety depends on clear standards, reliable testing and systems people can trust.
Read story
Somalia Trade Information Portal
Explore trade data, laws, procedures and cross-border requirements, including Somalia’s 2025 livestock export data.
Explore resource
SOBS validates five-year strategic plan with stakeholders
A reliable quality system connects standards with testing, measurement and certification. These systems help protect consumers and give producers a clearer route to meeting market requirements.
Read story
HoA DRIVE Somalia at Midterm - Impact in Action
A five-minute look at the project’s work with pastoralists, livestock businesses and trade institutions.
Explore resource