Somali government initiates WTO membership process talks in Geneva

A Somali federal government delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, met with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Geneva on Tuesday, marking the beginning of Somalia’s accession process to the global trade body.  

In a statement, the federal government described the meeting as a pivotal step in Somalia’s bid for WTO membership. 

Deputy Prime Minister Jama reiterated the government’s commitment to navigating the accession process, emphasizing Somalia’s goal of becoming an official member of the WTO.  

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala assured the Somali delegation of the WTO’s technical support, highlighting the organization’s role in promoting trade facilitation and economic development among member states.  

The World Trade Organization (WTO) currently has 166 member countries, representing 98% of global trade. Its members include United Nations states, the European Union, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.