Somalia's post-Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) economic landscape is characterized by a critical dichotomy: vast potential in livestock, fisheries, and agricultural resources set against structural, climatic, and institutional bottlenecks. This paper examines the deep-seated challenges facing Somalia's export sector—including a massive trade deficit averaging over 80% of GDP, acute vulnerability to climate shocks, prohibitive energy costs, and stringent non-tariff barriers (NTBs). Conversely, it analyses emerging macroeconomic catalysts, specifically Somalia's recent integration into the East African Community (EAC) and its concurrent accession process with the World Trade Organization (WTO). Employing a qualitative-descriptive methodology rooted in secondary thematic synthesis of multilateral datasets (2019–2026), the findings reveal that while livestock exports reached a milestone of nearly $1 billion, long-term growth is systematically stymied by dependency on raw commodities and lack of standard compliance mechanisms. The paper argues that structured implementation of export-led growth models, regulatory harmonization, and a transition to green energy frameworks serve as foundational remedies. Ultimately, transitioning from a consumption-driven import profile to a value-added export approach is vital for Somalia to achieve structural economic transformation and enhance fiscal independence.