Mogadishu, Somalia – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially inaugurated the Second East African Community Cooperation Conference in Mogadishu on Tuesday, underscoring Somalia’s determination to deepen regional cooperation and drive inclusive economic growth across the East African region.
In his keynote address, President Mohamud celebrated Somalia’s historic role as a trade hub linking Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, emphasizing that this legacy forms the foundation of the nation’s renewed engagement with its East African neighbors. He noted that Somalia’s accession to the East African Community (EAC) marked a transformative step toward rebuilding its economic influence and strengthening ties with regional partners.
“Somalia stands ready to contribute meaningfully to the East African Community. Our people have always been traders, innovators, and bridge-builders. By fostering peace, stability, and shared prosperity, we can unlock the full potential of our region,” President Mohamud said.
The two-day conference brings together government representatives, business leaders, academics, and development partners from all eight EAC member states. The forum focuses on expanding intra-regional trade, improving transport connectivity, harmonizing customs and investment policies, and advancing youth and women’s participation in the regional economy.
Somalia’s hosting of EACON2025—its second since joining the bloc—demonstrates the country’s growing confidence on the international stage and its readiness to contribute to policy dialogue on economic integration and security cooperation.
Delegates at the event commended Somalia’s progress in rebuilding its institutions and stabilizing its economy, noting that greater cooperation among EAC members could help tackle shared challenges such as climate resilience, migration, and terrorism.
The conference also serves as a platform for strengthening partnerships between Somalia’s private sector and regional investors, with several side sessions dedicated to digital innovation, renewable energy, and blue economy development.
President Mohamud concluded his address by calling on EAC member states to “translate regional aspirations into tangible actions,” stressing that true integration requires solidarity, trust, and a collective vision for the future.
EACON2025 continues through Wednesday, with panels on trade facilitation, education mobility, and infrastructure investment expected to define the roadmap for Somalia’s deeper integration into the East African Community.