Somalia has taken a significant step toward expanding its presence in international livestock markets following a successful technical assessment of a newly established export quarantine and inspection facility in Puntland.
The mission, led by the IGAD Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development (ICPALD) in collaboration with the Federal Government of Somalia, evaluated the Somali Livestock Export Quarantine and Inspection Center (Som Quarantine).
The assessment focused on infrastructure, operational readiness, and compliance with harmonised regional and international Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards.
During the three-day exercise, experts provided technical guidance on quarantine management, certification processes, and disease control protocols.
The team also reviewed the facility’s alignment with export requirements for key markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and Southeast Asia.
With a holding capacity of up to 150,000 animals, the Puntland-based facility is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting Somalia’s livestock exports once fully operational.
The center will handle cattle, camels, sheep, and goats, ensuring they meet international health and safety standards before shipment.
The mission further identified critical gaps requiring attention, offering actionable recommendations to support the facility’s full operationalisation and certification.
A major highlight of the visit was the engagement between quarantine management and international partners. ICPALD facilitated discussions with stakeholders from MENA countries, culminating in a successful assessment by a delegation of regulatory authorities from the Sultanate of Oman.
The delegation’s approval marks a key milestone toward opening export channels to the Omani market.
Officials noted that strengthening quarantine systems is essential for enhancing Somalia’s competitiveness in global livestock trade, a sector that remains a cornerstone of the country’s economy and a vital source of livelihoods for pastoral communities.
The initiative was funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) through the Regional Livestock Program (RLP), underscoring continued international support for building resilient and market-ready livestock systems in the region.
As Somalia advances efforts to meet global standards, the Puntland quarantine facility is poised to become a critical gateway for safe and certified livestock exports to high-value international markets.