By Staff Reporter - -
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia has stepped up preparations for integration into the East African Community (EAC) after a high-level delegation completed a peer learning mission to Kenya focused on digital trade, customs modernization, regional payment systems and coordinated border management.
The two-day exchange programme, held in Nairobi on June 22–23, brought together senior officials from Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Central Bank, Immigration and Citizenship Agency, Ministry of Finance, academia and the private sector. The mission was led by Mohamed Issak Ibrahim, Director General of East African Community Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was supported by GIZ and the EAC Secretariat.
The programme aimed to expose Somali officials to Kenya’s experience in implementing regional integration through modern digital infrastructure, efficient customs systems and integrated border management as Somalia advances implementation of its EAC Integration Roadmap.
During meetings with Kenya’s State Department for East African Community Affairs, the delegation learned how Kenya coordinates implementation of the EAC’s four pillars—the Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union and Political Federation—through close cooperation among government institutions and harmonized national legislation. Somali officials said the discussions highlighted the importance of strong institutional coordination in translating regional commitments into practical reforms.
The delegation also met officials from the Central Bank of Kenya, who outlined the country’s National Payment System and regional payment infrastructure. Discussions covered the East African Payment System (EAPS), which enables cross-border transactions in local currencies, as well as broader initiatives to strengthen financial inclusion, digital identity, cybersecurity and interoperable payment systems. Somali officials shared progress on Somalia’s own National Payment System and national QR code framework while exploring opportunities for greater regional interoperability.
At sessions on digital commerce, Kenyan officials presented the country’s National E-Commerce Strategy, explaining how legislation, digital infrastructure and cooperation among regulatory agencies support cross-border trade. Somali delegates also reviewed digital customs platforms, payment APIs and cargo tracking technologies designed to simplify trade and improve transparency.
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The visit included extensive discussions with the Kenya Revenue Authority on modernization of customs administration and implementation of the East African Community’s Single Customs Territory. Officials demonstrated Kenya’s Integrated Customs Management System and the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System, explaining how digital customs procedures have significantly reduced cargo transit times and improved trade efficiency across East Africa.
The delegation also met the Kenya Bankers Association, where representatives discussed the banking sector’s role in supporting regional payment systems through collaboration between commercial banks, fintech companies and regulators.
The programme concluded with a field visit to the Namanga One-Stop Border Post on the Kenya–Tanzania border, where Somali officials observed integrated customs and immigration operations involving more than 20 government agencies. Officials demonstrated how shared digital systems, joint inspections and coordinated border procedures have reduced crossing times, lowered logistics costs and strengthened trade facilitation while maintaining security.
Officials said the experience provided practical lessons that will support Somalia’s efforts to modernize customs administration, strengthen digital trade, improve regional payment connectivity and enhance border management as the country deepens its participation in the East African Community.