Somalia Leads Horn of Africa Talks on Trade and Infrastructure

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia is pushing for stronger economic cooperation and cross-border infrastructure development in the Horn of Africa as regional countries seek to expand trade and improve the movement of people and goods.

Somali Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh chaired the 29th meeting of the Horn of Africa Countries Cooperation Forum, where officials discussed economic development and projects aimed at improving connectivity across the region.

A key focus was the development of infrastructure linking Horn of Africa countries, with such projects seen as important to reducing barriers to trade, improving transport links and creating new opportunities for businesses operating across borders.

Better regional infrastructure could also help connect markets, facilitate the movement of goods and people and strengthen economic ties among countries whose economies remain closely linked by trade and shared transport corridors.

The forum provides a platform for countries in the region to coordinate on economic priorities and development projects, particularly initiatives designed to improve regional connectivity and support deeper economic integration.

Mr Egeh’s chairing of the meeting comes as Horn of Africa countries pursue greater regional cooperation amid efforts to expand trade, attract investment and improve infrastructure. For Somalia, stronger regional economic links could also support its efforts to develop trade corridors and increase private-sector participation in the economy.

The discussions underline the growing importance of infrastructure beyond individual national projects, with cross-border roads, transport networks and other connections increasingly viewed as essential to creating a more integrated regional market.