@article{CRSIJ26000209,
                  author = {Abukar Sh Ahmed Mursal},
                  title = {The Role of International Trade Institutions in Driving Sustainable Economic Integration in Somalia},
                  journal = {Cosmo Research and Science International Journal},
                  year = {2025},
                  volume = {1},
                  number = {6},
                  pages = {442-471},
                  issn = {3108-1584},
                  url = {https://cosmorsij.com/published/CRSIJ26000209.pdf},
                  abstract = {Decades of protracted conflict, state fragility, and institutional collapse have left Somalia economically isolated, heavily reliant on primary commodity exports, and burdened by persistent structural trade deficits. However, the country’s recent geopolitical pivot toward international trade frameworks offer a historic opportunity for economic reconstruction. This paper examines the strategic roles played by global and regional trade institutions—specifically the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the East African Community (EAC)—in driving sustainable economic integration in Somalia. Utilizing a qualitative, descriptive-analytical research methodology, this study evaluates current integration frameworks, ongoing regulatory updates, and systemic institutional bottlenecks. The findings indicate that while Somalia’s WTO accession process and entry into the EAC single market act as powerful external catalysts for policy modernization, deep-seated structural challenges persist. These include acute technical capacity deficits, severe export asymmetry, and adjustment frictions related to tariff liberalization. The discussion highlights how the "Trade for Peace" framework can convert rule-based market integration into localized employment and social stability. Ultimately, this paper concludes that international trade institutions are necessary but insufficient on their own; their success depends entirely on concurrent domestic reforms, infrastructure development, and targeted capacity building. A comprehensive matrix of actionable recommendations for policy makers is provided to ensure long-term, inclusive economic growth.},
                  keywords = {Somalia, International Trade Institutions, Sustainable Economic Integration, WTO Accession, East African Community (EAC), Trade for Peace, Economic Reconstruction},
                  month = {May}
        }