The Federal Republic of Somalia is taking concrete steps toward full integration into the East African Community’s (EAC) common market, following its admission as the bloc’s newest member. Somali officials say the country is now implementing a series of policy and regulatory reforms designed to align its trading system with regional standards and support easier cross-border movement.
The update was delivered during the 59th Meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers held in Arusha, Tanzania, where the Somali delegation outlined ongoing efforts to harmonize national trade frameworks with Community requirements. Officials stressed that joining the common market will give Somalia access to a regional economic space of more than 300 million people, opening new opportunities for trade, investment and private sector growth.
Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Ilyas Ali Hassan said Somalia is prioritizing the harmonization of its trade systems and institutional procedures with EAC norms. This process includes streamlining the flow of goods by removing tariff and non-tariff barriers that have traditionally hindered trade, and aligning customs and regulatory processes with those of other partner states.
Somalia is also working to facilitate the movement of people by synchronizing travel and business documentation with EAC standards, making it easier for citizens and businesses to operate across borders. In parallel, authorities are looking to leverage the country’s extensive coastline as a strategic trade gateway for the region, positioning Somali ports as important nodes in East African and international trade routes.
The Somali delegation underlined that durable peace and security remain essential prerequisites for successful economic integration. They noted that Somalia’s security cooperation with the Community will be key to securing trade corridors, building investor confidence and protecting critical infrastructure.
Officials added that integration into the common market is expected to expand opportunities for domestic Small and Medium Enterprises by providing broader market access, while also creating a more attractive environment for Foreign Direct Investment into Somalia. This, they said, will help accelerate the country’s economic recovery after years of conflict and instability.
In response, the EAC Council of Ministers welcomed Somalia’s reform efforts and pledged to provide the necessary technical and policy support to help the country achieve full integration into the common market. Somali authorities are currently drafting and refining the legal and institutional frameworks required to function as a fully-fledged economic partner within the East African corridor, with the aim of positioning the country as a key player in regional trade and connectivity.
