ADDIS ABABA — Somalia chaired the first meeting of Trade Ministers from countries participating in the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) in Addis Ababa, with regional governments seeking to strengthen economic integration and remove barriers to cross-border trade.
Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Ambassador Jamaal Mohamed Hassan, called for stronger regional cooperation and urged member states to move from political commitments toward practical measures that deliver tangible benefits for businesses, traders and communities.
The meeting focused on the proposed Regional Trade Facilitation Action Plan for 2026–2031 and the establishment of a Regional Trade Facilitation Committee to improve trade coordination and make the movement of goods across borders faster and more efficient.
Representatives from Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, South Sudan and Sudan expressed support for the proposed framework.
Discussions also covered regional trade corridors, customs modernization, port connectivity, border management, digital trade services and greater private-sector participation.
Germany, representing development partners, reaffirmed its support for the regional trade agenda and emphasized stronger coordination of technical and financial assistance.
The Horn of Africa Initiative aims to create a more connected regional economy by reducing trade barriers, improving transport links and facilitating the movement of goods and services.
The meeting represents a significant step toward deeper economic cooperation among countries in the Horn of Africa and could help expand regional markets, strengthen supply chains and create new opportunities for businesses and communities.
