Mogadishu, Somalia, 6 October 2026: The East African Business Council (EABC) participated in the EU–Somalia Business Forum, held under the theme “Invest in Somalia: Unlocking High-Potential Markets.” The forum brought together government leaders, private sector representatives, development partners and investors to explore opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation, improving market access and attracting private sector investment.
EABC contributed to a panel discussion titled “Trade Facilitation and Logistics – Connecting Somalia to Regional and EU Markets.” The session examined how ports, transport corridors, customs systems and logistics services can reduce trade costs, improve the movement of goods and connect Somali businesses to regional and international markets.
The panel featured Mr. Mohammed Ali Nur, Director General of the Mogadishu Port Authority; Mr. Angus Miller, Director for the Horn of Africa at TradeMark Africa; Mr. Sadaq Mohamed, Trade Facilitation Committee Coordinator at the Office of the Prime Minister of Somalia; Ms. Hidaya Mkwizu of EABC; and Ms. Fahmo Hassan Mohamud, Managing Director of Falcon Logistics. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Katharina Stumpf, GIZ Cluster Coordinator for the East African Community.
Discussions highlighted the importance of digitalisation and interoperable systems, harmonised standards, efficient customs procedures, and effective implementation of trade policies and regulations. Participants also explored investment and public-private partnership opportunities in ports, roads, dry ports, logistics hubs and other trade-enabling infrastructure.
The session underscored the potential for deeper integration between Somalia and the East African Community (EAC), alongside stronger economic ties with the European Union. Improved connectivity and streamlined trade procedures were identified as key enablers of market access, stronger regional value chains and increased investment opportunities across East Africa.
These priorities align with the objectives of Invest East Africa!, the German–East African Business and Investment Forum, which brings together businesses, governments and regional stakeholders to translate market opportunities and regional integration into concrete trade and investment partnerships.
As Somalia strengthens its engagement with regional and international markets, collaboration on trade facilitation, logistics infrastructure and regulatory alignment will be essential to unlocking economic potential and building more competitive, connected markets.
