By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 2, 2026 — Somalia and Kenya discussed measures to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties on Wednesday, including easing the movement of goods, improving customs procedures and expanding cooperation in key economic sectors.
Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Amb. Jamal Mohamed Hassan, held bilateral talks with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, on the sidelines of a regional trade meeting in Addis Ababa.
The talks focused on facilitating cross-border trade, improving customs and border procedures and expanding investment opportunities between the two neighboring countries.
The ministers also discussed cooperation in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, manufacturing, logistics and services, sectors they identified as having potential to support economic growth and job creation.
Somalia and Kenya are both members of the East African Community (EAC), and the ministers discussed ways to use their shared membership to expand bilateral trade and investment.
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They also explored aligning opportunities under the EAC with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as both countries seek to benefit from wider regional and continental economic integration.
The talks took place as Somalia chairs the first meeting of trade ministers from countries participating in the Horn of Africa Initiative, which is being held in Addis Ababa.
The Somali government said it was seeking a deeper and more predictable economic relationship with Kenya that could create opportunities for businesses and communities in both countries.
“We want our shared membership in the East African Community to translate into real trade, investment and economic opportunities that are felt by the people of both countries,” Hassan said.
The meeting forms part of Somalia’s broader efforts to strengthen regional economic ties, connect markets and increase trade and investment through regional integration.