Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Urges Businesses to Capitalise on EAC and AfCFTA Opportunities at EABC–SCCI–GIZ CEO–Trade & Investment Roundtable

In his remarks at the CEO–Trade & Investment Roundtable, organised by the East African Business Council (EABC), in collaboration with the Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), and in partnership with GIZ, the Chief Guest, H.E. Hon. Gamal Mohamed Hassan, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Federal Republic of Somalia, called on businesses to capitalise on EAC and AfCFTAopportunities, particularly in manufacturing, industrial development and value addition, as keydrivers of employment and sustainable economic growth.

The Roundtable brought together more than 40 public- and private-sector stakeholders under the theme, “Enhancing Competitiveness in the EAC to Boost Intra- and Extra-EAC Trade and Investment.” The Roundtable provided a platform for business leaders, policymakers and sector representatives to discuss opportunities for strengthening Somalia’s integration into EAC and AfCFTA markets, improving competitiveness, and expanding trade and investment.

Representing the EAC Secretary General, Ms. Annette Mutaawe, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs encouraged the private sector to leverage the enlarged regional market, strengthen value chains and pursue cross-border investment opportunities.

On his part, Prof. Ciise Xalane of the Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) highlighted the importance of stronger business-to-business cooperation, expanded market access and increased investment linkages between Somalia and the wider EAC region.

Mr. Ahmed Farah, Executive Director of EABC, elaborated on EABC’s role in placing the private sector at the centre of regional integration through policy advocacy, the removal of trade barriers, and stronger business cooperation across EAC Partner States.

Mr. Ismail Abdalla Ali, Director of the Investment Promotion Office – SOMINVEST, highlighted Somalia’s investment potential and the need for a more enabling investment environment to attract and facilitate domestic, regional and international investment.

Mr. Ahmed Warsame, Director of Economic Integration, representing the Director General for East African Community Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, reiterated Somalia’s commitment to championing EAC integration. He explained the importance of implementing EAC commitments, strengthening regional value chains, reducing non-tariff barriers, and facilitating the movement of goods, services and investment. He also noted the significant role of the Somali diaspora as investors, entrepreneurs and economic bridges across the EAC, while encouraging regional businesses to view Somalia as a strategic investment destination.

The Roundtable featured sector-focused panel discussions addressing opportunities, challenges and practical recommendations for enhancing Somalia’s competitiveness. The Manufacturing Panel, led by the Somalia Association of Manufacturers, examined opportunities under the EAC and AfCFTA markets, constraints facing manufacturers, and measures to strengthen production and competitiveness. The Transport and Logistics Panel, featuring the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa, explored ways to improve transit services, reduce logistics costs and position Somalia as a competitive regional transport hub, while the Tourism Panel examined barriers to tourism growth and strategies for attracting more domestic and EAC visitors. The Financial Services Panel, represented by the Somalia Bankers Association, discussed challenges facing banks and insurance companies, financial integration within the EAC, and the competitiveness of professional services. The Cross-Cutting Private Sector Panel, represented by the Somalia Private Sector Association, focused on Somalia’s opportunities in regional and global markets, improving the ease of doing business, and maximising the benefits of EAC and AfCFTA integration.

The Roundtable also launched the upcoming East Africa CEO and Investment Forum 2026, scheduled for 17–18 September 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, providing an opportunity to showcase Somalia’s investment potential and facilitate partnerships between Somali businesses, regional investors and other stakeholders. The Roundtable concluded with a call for stronger public-private collaboration to translate regional integration commitments into concrete trade, investment and business opportunities for Somalia and the wider EAC region.

About the Upcoming EABC East Africa CEO & Investment Forum – September 2026

The EABC East Africa CEO & Investment Forum 2026 will take place on 17th and 18th September 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. The Forum is a CEO-led, results-oriented platform designed to shape East Africa’s trade, investment and competitiveness agenda while catalysing strategic partnerships and investment deals. It positions the private sector at the centre of regional integration and sustainable economic growth.

The Forum will convene over 500 high-level participants, including regional and international CEOs, institutional and private investors, development finance institutions, Partner States’ Investment Promotion Agencies, policymakers, and development partners from across Africa and beyond. The Forum will focus on investment conversion, deals and commitments, featuring structured Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) matchmaking sessions centred on investment-ready opportunities across East Africa.

The Forum will also host a special delegation of 50 investors from the European Union, led by Hon. Manfred Pentz, State Minister for Federal, European and International Affairs and Bureaucracy Reduction of the State of Hesse, Germany. The Forum is organised with the support of the German Development Cooperation, TradeMark Africa, the European Union, the International Trade Centre, the East African Development Bank (EADB), and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Register at: www.eabc-online.com

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