By Hanad Abdi - Reporter
MOGADISHU, 13 October 2026 Somalia needs faster institutional reforms, stronger regional trade links and investment in commercially viable projects to turn its East African Community membership into tangible economic benefits, a declaration adopted in Mogadishu said.
The Mogadishu Declaration was issued at the close of the third East African Community Opportunities Conference (EACON 2026), held on 12-13 October. The meeting brought together more than 800 participants, including government officials, parliamentarians, regional institutions, businesses, academics and development partners.
"For Somalia, the true value of joining the East African Community lies in effective implementation, stronger regional competitiveness, investment in human capital, and partnerships that transform opportunities into tangible results," EACON Chairperson Dr Amina Sheikh Omar said.
The declaration said membership should be treated as the beginning of Somalia's integration process rather than its completion, arguing that its benefits would depend on effective implementation, competitive markets, productive investment and a skilled workforce.
Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama also emphasised the need to translate regional agreements into practical domestic reforms, strengthen institutions and invest in young people while ensuring that economic growth improves livelihoods.
Ports, logistics, regional transport, fisheries, the blue economy, agriculture, renewable energy, digital services and manufacturing were identified as priority areas for investment.
The declaration called for a shift from general investment promotion towards preparing bankable projects that can attract financing and deliver economic benefits.
It also called for more efficient customs and border procedures to reduce the cost of doing business and enable Somali enterprises to participate more effectively in regional markets as producers, exporters and investors.
The declaration urged Somalia to pursue its EAC integration alongside its engagement with the World Trade Organization and the African Continental Free Trade Area, arguing that coordinated reforms could strengthen the country's position in regional and international trade.
Somalia's coastline, entrepreneurial sector and commercial networks were highlighted as potential assets for expanding trade and connecting East African markets with international destinations.
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Speaker of the House of the People Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama highlighted the country's potential to serve as a regional commercial gateway, pointing to its coastline and resources as strategic advantages.
But participants also stressed that ports alone would not deliver broader economic benefits without efficient customs procedures, reliable transport links, logistics services and industries capable of processing goods for regional markets.
The declaration called for greater investment in education, technical and vocational training, research and innovation to prepare young people for a more competitive regional economy.
SIMAD University Rector Abdikarim Mohaidin Ahmed said regional integration should be reflected in the country's education and research institutions.
He pointed to universities, research centres and laboratories as important to equipping young people with the skills needed to compete in regional markets, while highlighting artificial intelligence, digital transformation and innovation as areas for cooperation.
The declaration also called for improved recognition of qualifications and greater opportunities for professional mobility. Women, young people and the Somali diaspora were identified as important contributors to regional integration through entrepreneurship, investment, knowledge transfer and professional networks.
It urged sustained cooperation among the federal government, parliament, federal member states, EAC institutions, the private sector, universities, development partners and civil society.
The declaration called for a Somalia EAC integration roadmap setting out priorities, responsible institutions, timelines, resource requirements and measurable outcomes.
It did not specify funding amounts or binding deadlines for the proposed reforms.