It was 2006 when the Union of Islamic Courts reopened the port. Seven years after the reopening, a Turkish firm, Al-Bayrak, entered an agreement with the Federal Government of Somalia to modernise and manage the port for a period of 20 years.

The recent modernization of Mogadishu port and its expanded operations has made it the country's largest source of internal revenue. Conceivably, the country’s ability to revitalise and grow its economy is largely dependent on the port; its effectiveness and efficiency to operate at the highest levels is a significant factor. There are high prospects both locally and regionally.

The future looks bright. That notwithstanding, numerous challenges, gaps and misgivings have been cited to be bedeviling the port and its users. Key among them, business people have complained of higher trade costs and redundant bureaucracy that have frustrated their operations within and beyond the port.

According to a survey conducted by GSM Business Solutions late last year on the Mogadishu port users, they pay approximately between $959.91 and $1,209.91 per container beside the statutory taxes. The following is a breakdown of these costs:

It is no secret that the port is a major source of revenue for both Mogadishu municipality and the federal government. There is need for more efforts to explore and systemically address the above obstacles and hindrances that threaten the smooth operations at the port. This is the country’s top income earner and must be treated as so. It can only get better . . . only if all the stakeholders play their part.

By: GSM Business Solutions

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