Head of Somalia Country Programme at GIZ Paid a Courtesy Visit to EABC Secretariat to Explore Strategic Collaboration
Thursday, 5 June 2025 – Arusha, Tanzania: Mr. Mustafa Adeel, Head of Component Leader, Support of Agricultural Production and Quality Assurance (SPQA), Country Programme at GIZ Headquarters, accompanied by Mr. Lamech Wasonga from GIZ, paid a courtesy visit to the East African Business Council (EABC) Secretariat. The delegation was warmly received by Mr. Adrian Njau, Acting Executive Director of EABC.
The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between GIZ and EABC to support Somalia’s integration into regional and continental markets. Proposed areas of partnership included:
- Organizing roundtable forums, conferences, trade missions, and workshops to raise awareness on regional integration frameworks and continental trade protocols.
- Conducting business and market intelligence studies to increase cross-border trade and improve Somalia’s trade regulatory environment.
- Advocating for the domestication and implementation of regional agreements by the Government of Somalia.
- Building capacity and mentorship for Somali businesses in areas such as AfCFTA, TFTA, taxation, and export readiness.
- Attracting strategic investments and fostering partnerships in key sectors, including the blue economy, livestock, wind energy, and more.
- Development of Standards and Quality Infrastructure through structured dialogue and awareness creation to key stakeholders.
EABC also highlighted engagements held with Somalia private sector, including:
- High-level engagement in the organization of the East African Community Conference (EACON 2024) held in Mogadishu and ongoing support for EACON 2025 scheduled for September in Nairobi.
- Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Somalia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) to promote regional private sector participation.
- Facilitation of SCCI’s participation in regional consultative meetings on services policy and institutionalized dialogue mechanisms.
- Sharing regional business opportunities and information with Somali enterprises through SCCI, including webinars, calls for applications, and event invitations.
This engagement reaffirmed the strong commitment of GIZ and EABC to fostering inclusive regional integration, unlocking sustainable economic opportunities, and standards compliance for the Somali public and private sectors.
