Somalia is one of the lucky nations having a vast coastline. It is strategically located along the world’s major commercial sea lanes. Recognizing this invaluable natural asset, the Somali government took early steps to establish the Somali Ports Authority soon after gaining independence.

Initially, the Somali Ports Authority was founded through decree No. 19 on June 14, 1962. This legal framework underwent revisions with decree No. 70 on November 22, 1970, and later with Law No. 1 on January 7, 1973. Operating under the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, the Authority functions autonomously and sustains itself financially. By June 1962, it had begun managing port activities, which were previously overseen by government departments and private firms. The Authority’s primary responsibilities include managing port operations, enhancing facilities, and contributing to economic development by fostering maritime trade.

During its early years, the Somali Ports Authority demonstrated remarkable efficiency in managing operations, maintenance, and port development. It played a crucial role in overseeing key ports, including Mogadishu, Berbera, Kismayo, and Marka. Under the military regime, significant progress was achieved in modernizing and expanding port infrastructure. For instance, new ports were constructed in Mogadishu in 1977 and Bosaso in the late 1980s. Unfortunately, the civil war in 1991 brought severe disruptions, leading to the destruction of equipment and facilities, which hindered the Authority’s ability to operate effectively.

In recent years, efforts to revive the Somali Ports Authority have gained momentum. With international support and investment, port facilities have been upgraded, and operations have improved. Security measures have also been strengthened, allowing the Authority to focus on modernizing Somalia’s ports. Although challenges persist, notable progress has been made. The Somali Ports Authority is actively working toward restoring the nation’s ports to their former prominence as key regional maritime hubs.