By: Mohamed Hassan Garad
Introduction
At the beginning of the year 2025 Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy Federal Republic of Somalia had taken significant step toward enhancing Somali fisheries industry development with launch of quality and safety Committee for fisheries development and trade in Mogadishu. The goal of the committee is to oversee the safety and quality assurance of Somali fish safety, fish product and fish feed. Moreover, it’s also aims to develop improve inspection procedures to boost the competitiveness Somali fish in local and international markets it will contribute to economic growth and more jobs to Somali fishing communities.
Somalia’s fisheries sector represents one of the country’s most valuable but underutilized natural resources. With a coastline stretching over 3,300 km the longest in mainland Africa the nation is well positioned to become a major player in regional and global fish trade. However, effective participation in export markets depends not only on resource availability but also on compliance with international food safety standards. This is where the role of competent authorities becomes critical in guiding, regulating, and certifying the safety of fishery products for trade.
Importance of Fisheries for Somalia
Fisheries are crucial to Somalia’s economy, providing essential resources for growth, food security, and employment. The country’s extensive 3,300-kilometer coastline supports significant marine resources, which can enhance national development if managed sustainably. Fishing offers affordable protein, boosts public health, and has the potential for lucrative seafood exports. It sustains coastal livelihoods and cultural heritage while helping to alleviate poverty and generate youth employment. Additionally, sustainable fisheries management aids in environmental conservation by safeguarding marine ecosystems from overexploitation and illegal fishing. Overall, the fisheries sector can generate revenue 1.8 USD annually potential 14% of Somali GDP bigger than livestock and vital for Somalia’s economic diversification and long-term prosperity
The fisheries sector contributes to food security, employment, and livelihoods, particularly in coastal communities. As agriculture and livestock face recurrent drought and climate shocks, fisheries provide a viable alternative source of nutrition and income. Exporting fish and fishery products offers Somalia a pathway to diversify its economy and strengthen foreign exchange earnings. Yet, entry into high-value international markets requires adherence to stringent sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures.
International Food Safety Standards
International fish safety standards are globally recognized frameworks designed to ensure that fish and fishery products are safe, wholesome, and suitable for human consumption while meeting the quality expectations of importing countries. These standards, established by organizations such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the European Union, and the World Health Organization, provide detailed guidelines on hygiene practices, hazard analysis, risk management, and product traceability. Core systems like Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and ISO 22000 require producers to identify potential biological, chemical, and physical hazards, implement preventive controls, and maintain rigorous monitoring procedures throughout the supply chain. Compliance with these standards not only protects consumers from foodborne illnesses but also builds international confidence in seafood exports, enabling access to lucrative global markets. For developing countries such as Somalia, aligning with these standards is vital to overcoming trade barriers, boosting competitiveness, and ensuring that local fisheries are integrated into the international seafood trade. Ultimately, international fish safety standards serve as both a shield for public health and a gateway to economic growth through fair and sustainable trade.
Moreover, global markets, especially the European Union, Middle East, and Asia, impose strict regulations on fish imports. World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Trade Organization’s SPS Agreement. Such frameworks require exporting countries to demonstrate that fish products are harvested, processed, and transported under safe and hygienic conditions. Non-compliance risks trade restrictions, reputational damage, and economic losses.
The Concept of Competent Authority
The concept of the Somali Fishery Competent Authority refers to a national regulatory body mandated to oversee, control, and certify the safety and quality of fish and fishery products in line with international standards. Its primary role is to ensure that Somali seafood meets global food safety requirements, thereby protecting consumers and facilitating access to international markets. The authority serves as the official point of contact between Somalia and global trade partners, responsible for inspections, licensing, and issuing health certificates for exports. By coordinating with stakeholders from fishers to exporters it strengthens governance, combats illegal fishing, and promotes sustainable use of marine resources, making it a cornerstone for Somalia’s fisheries development and trade competitiveness.
Somali Fisheries Institutional Landscape
Somalia’s fishery institutional landscape is shaped by a mix of federal, state, and local structures working to regulate, manage, and develop the sector. At the national level, the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy provide overall policy direction, while federal member states play key roles in day-to-day management and enforcement along their coastal areas. Supporting institutions include research bodies, fisheries cooperatives, and emerging quality-control agencies that address food safety and trade requirements. Despite progress, the landscape remains fragmented, with limited coordination, weak infrastructure, and gaps in regulatory enforcement. Strengthening institutional capacity, harmonizing roles, and fostering collaboration between federal and state authorities are essential to unlock the full potential of Somalia’s fisheries sector. Strengthening this institutional framework is crucial for Somalia to align with international benchmarks and effectively compete in global markets.
Several barriers impede Somalia’s ability to meet international food safety requirements. These include inadequate infrastructure at landing sites, limited laboratory testing capacity, and weak enforcement of hygiene regulations. Moreover, the informal and artisanal nature of much of Somalia’s fishing activity makes traceability and compliance difficult. Without a competent authority to coordinate these aspects, fish exports risk being rejected at foreign markets.
Role of Somali Competent Authorities in Trade Facilitation
The role of Somali Competent Authorities in trade facilitation is pivotal to unlocking the full potential of the country’s fisheries sector and integrating it into regional and global markets. These authorities act as the official regulators responsible for ensuring that all fish and fishery products exported from Somalia comply with international food safety, quality, and sanitary requirements set by bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and major importing markets like the European Union. Their mandate goes beyond mere regulation; they provide certification, conduct inspections, and monitor processing facilities to guarantee that Somali seafood is safe, traceable, and competitive. By issuing health certificates and aligning national systems with international standards such as HACCP and ISO 22000, the authorities build trust with trading partners and reduce the risk of rejection at foreign borders. Furthermore, they facilitate trade by streamlining regulatory procedures, coordinating with customs and port services, and enhancing transparency to minimize delays and transaction costs for exporters. In doing so, Somali Competent Authorities serve both as protectors of public health and as enablers of economic growth, transforming fisheries from a subsistence activity into a strategic driver of trade and development.
Strategic Opportunities and Competitive Advantage Somali Fishing Industry
The Somali fishing industry holds significant strategic opportunities and competitive advantages that extend across sectoral boundaries, making it a critical pillar for national development. With Africa’s longest coastline and rich, underexploited marine resources, Somalia has the potential to become a major player in the global seafood market. Beyond fisheries alone, the sector creates spillover benefits for transportation, logistics, cold storage, and export services, while also stimulating growth in tourism, hospitality, and coastal infrastructure development. The industry’s demand for packaging, processing, and quality assurance opens further opportunities for investment in manufacturing and service sectors, thereby diversifying the economy. Somalia’s geographical position along key international shipping routes also provides a logistical advantage for accessing Middle Eastern, Asian, and European markets. By leveraging these strengths, adopting sustainable management practices, and aligning with international food safety standards, Somalia can not only expand its fisheries exports but also drive economic linkages across multiple sectors, transforming fisheries into a competitive engine of inclusive growth and trade.
Mohamed Garad Hassan is an Economist and Researcher with extensive experience Industrial & Trade Policy, Sovereign Advisory Services and Economic Security, Policy and Strategy Development.