Somalia Looks to Seafood Prosperity with China’s Tariff Elimination on African Goods

Somalia’s Seafood Surge: Can a Tariff-Free Trade with China Transform Its Fisheries?

On a typical day at the bustling Mogadishu fish market, vendors meticulously arrange their freshly caught seafood, eager to entice buyers with the array of treasures from the Indian Ocean. Yet beyond the vibrant hustle lies a deeper narrative—a story of aspiration, perseverance, and the potential transformation of Somalia’s fisheries sector amid newfound opportunities.

China’s Tariff-Free Offer: A Game Changer?

In a striking policy shift, China recently announced the removal of tariffs on imports from African countries. This decision opens a significant door for Somalia, a nation blessed with a 3,300-kilometer coastline teeming with marine life. But the potential benefits come with hefty responsibilities, and the question remains: is Somalia ready for this grand opportunity?

Nor Daud Ibrahim, a fisheries officer with the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, shared an optimistic perspective, stating, “This policy change holds immense potential for Somali seafood exports. But to seize this opportunity, it’s crucial for us to elevate our seafood quality standards and ensure we meet international safety and traceability requirements.”

The Challenges of Transformation

Despite the promising prospects, the path is fraught with challenges. Somalia’s artisanal fishing fleet continues to grapple with nature’s unpredictability—from fierce seas to relentless climate changes. The infrastructure, too, leaves much to be desired. The absence of modern ports, cold storage, and efficient logistics systems complicates the goal of exporting large, high-quality quantities abroad.

However, efforts to bridge these gaps are underway. In a noteworthy move, Somalia recently inked a memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi’s AD Ports Group. This agreement aims to revamp fisheries infrastructure, develop integrated fishing ports, and establish processing facilities. Additionally, vocational training for the fisheries workforce is on the agenda, providing a holistic approach to revamping the sector.

Evolving Policies and Partnerships

This infrastructure overhaul is complemented by strategic collaborations, including a partnership with Türkiye’s OYAK Group. This agreement focuses on enhancing fisheries infrastructure, boosting exports, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing—a shadowy practice that reportedly costs Somalia around $300 million annually.

Licensing, a critical component in formalizing the fisheries sector, has recently seen progress. In March 2024, Somalia issued 19 offshore permits to Chinese tuna longliners, marking a significant step towards regulation since the last major issuance in 2018. Yet, transparency concerns remain a topic of public discourse.

Navigating Food Standards and Regulations

While tariffs no longer pose a barrier in China, meeting its stringent food import standards remains a tall order. Chinese customs mandate that exporters register processing facilities, implement traceability systems, and comply with specific packaging requirements. Failing to adhere could prove costly, jeopardizing market access despite tariff exemptions.

Recognizing these hurdles, Somalia’s government has rolled out its National Blue Economy Strategy for 2023–2027. Supported by the World Bank’s “Badmaal” project, efforts to establish fisheries monitoring centers and bolster regulatory capacity are underway, seeking to attract further investment and assure adherence to standards.

The Wider Context: China-Africa Relations

This move by China is part of a broader strategy to cement its role as Africa’s primary trading partner. With investments pouring into ports, roads, and energy projects across the continent, Beijing’s influence continues to expand, outpacing traditional Western partners such as the United States and the European Union.

In inviting 53 African nations to a tariff-free trade arena, China is not only reshaping trade dynamics but also fostering a new era of economic alliances. How will this play out for Somalia and other African countries? Will this lead to equitable growth, or are there strings attached?

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Somali Fisheries?

As Somalia stands at this crossroads, optimism tinged with caution prevails. “Our coastline is among the richest in the Indian Ocean,” Nor remarked. “With ongoing reforms and investments, Somalia is poised to capitalize on China’s trade policy and broaden its footprint in global seafood markets.”

The potential is immense, yet achieving it requires concerted efforts, strong governance, and resilient infrastructures. Will Somalia’s gambit pay off, or are there uncharted waters ahead? The world watches as this saga unfolds on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Ultimately, the transformation of Somalia’s fisheries could embody a broader narrative—a tale of resilience and hope amid adversity, reflecting wider trends in African economic progress and international trade.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.