Mogadishu – Somalia opened a new container terminal at Mogadishu Port this week, nearly doubling the country's cargo handling capacity, a move officials say will spur economic growth and boost regional trade ties.
The terminal increases its capacity from 150,000 to 250,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), positioning Mogadishu to compete with established regional hubs like Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. The opening ceremony was presided over by Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and newly appointed port director Mohamed Ali Nur "Americo."
Officials also launched construction of a new port headquarters, which will serve as the port's administrative and operational center, as part of broader efforts to improve governance at Somalia's busiest port.
James Shikwati, founder and director of the Regional Economic Network, said the expansion reflects Somalia's growing role in Africa's trade ambitions. He added, "We must congratulate Somalia on increasing its port capacity by nearly 100,000 units."
He continued, "This is in line with the vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which calls for modern ports along the continent's coasts. From a regional perspective, this is a very welcome announcement."
This modernization is expected to provide job opportunities for Somali youth, expand port-related industries, and provide a competitive alternative for neighboring countries.
Ethiopia, with a population of over 100 million, currently relies on Djibouti for most of its imports and exports. Analysts say the expanded Mogadishu terminal could provide a shorter and cheaper option, with additional benefits for South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Beyond the economic aspect, the project signals investor confidence in Somalia despite ongoing security challenges. Shekwati noted that foreign participation—particularly from Middle Eastern countries—also highlights a shift in geopolitical competition along the Indian Ocean trade corridor.
"By attracting partners willing to build in Somalia, the government is sending a message that the region has stability and potential. It also shows that emerging economies want to play a stronger role in global trade," he said.
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