Logistics services in Somalia.

Somalia logistics overview: modes, trade and gateways

Logistics services in Somalia rely on sea and air links supported by road transport inside the country and to its borders. Goods move through about 6 seaports along a coastline of about 3,025 km, and there are about 40 airports.

Containerized and general cargo enter and leave mainly via Muqdisho, Berbera, Boosaaso, Kismaayo and Marka, with two oil terminals handling petroleum flows. International air freight can be arranged via 4 airports with scheduled service, including Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) and Bender Qassim International Airport (BSA). Road corridors connect to Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya, giving options for regional overland distribution.

Freight forwarders in Somalia should be familiar with operations at Muqdisho, Berbera, Boosaaso, Kismaayo and Marka, where cargo pier depths range up to about 9.4 m and container throughput was about 92,000 TEU in 2019. Liner shipping connectivity is relatively low, with an LSCI score of 9.65 in 2021, so checking sailing frequencies and transshipment patterns is important.

The logistics performance index score is about 2.0, with customs at about 1.5 and logistics quality at about 1.8, all below the world median. Forwarders who understand trade with partners such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Djibouti, China and India can better route shipments. Membership in EAC and AU may matter for regional road moves and regulatory alignment, so brokers should be versed in these frameworks.

FCL and LCL shipping from and to Somalia moves through about 6 commercial seaports, with Muqdisho identified as a large port and Berbera and Boosaaso as small ports. Kismaayo and Marka are very small, with cargo pier depths from about 1.8 m to 9.4 m, which affects vessel size and draft planning. Total container throughput was about 92,000 TEU in 2019.

Liner connectivity is modest, reflected in an LSCI of 9.65 in 2021, so sailings may rely on regional hubs. MSC, Maersk, APL, HMM and PIL have offices in cities such as Mogadishu and Berbera, giving direct access to carrier networks. Export goods like livestock and gold and import goods like raw sugar, rice and broadcasting equipment commonly move by sea in FCL or consolidated LCL loads.

Air freight in Somalia is supported by 4 airports with scheduled service: Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ), Bender Qassim International Airport (BSA), Egal International Airport (HGA) and Berbera Airport (BBO). In total there are about 40 airports in the country, providing broad geographic coverage.

Somalia’s export mix of higher-value items such as gold and documents can suit air cargo for urgent or time-sensitive moves, while some imports like pharmaceuticals or perishable food may also favor air. Air freight is also an alternative when sea connections are limited or when reaching inland destinations quickly.

Rail and road freight in Somalia is centered on road transport, with international routes to Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya. The country shares about 61 km of border with Djibouti, about 1,640 km with Ethiopia and about 684 km with Kenya, forming the basis for cross-border trucking.

Roads link inland production and consumption areas to seaports such as Muqdisho, Berbera, Boosaaso, Kismaayo and Marka for import and export flows. Overland routes also support regional trade with neighbors and with partners that transship via nearby coastal states.

Customs clearance in Somalia takes place in a context of WCO membership since 2012-10-04 and non-membership in the WTO. The country participates in EAC and AU, which can influence regional trade procedures. For document preparation, shippers should plan at minimum for a commercial invoice, packing list and relevant transport document.

The logistics performance index customs score is about 1.5 compared with a world median of about 2.6, indicating relatively challenging border processes. Overall LPI is about 2.0 versus a world median of about 2.7. Working with experienced brokers and forwarders can help manage clearance risks and timing at ports and airports.