Somalia Leads Push for Digital Integration as Horn of Africa Finance Ministers Meet in Nairobi

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: Finance ministers from across the Horn of Africa are gathering in Nairobi, Kenya, for the 25th session of the Horn of Africa Cooperation Forum, with Somalia taking over the rotating chair and setting the agenda on regional digital transformation.

Somalia’s Minister of Finance, Bihi Iman Egeh, who is chairing this year’s session, called for urgent steps to harmonize digital systems across member states, saying integrated digital infrastructure was key to unlocking economic growth and improving public services across borders.

“Digital connectivity is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity for development, job creation, and deeper regional integration,” Egeh said in his opening address.

The high-level meeting, attended by finance chiefs from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, and South Sudan, is focused on aligning digital policies, cross-border payment systems, and public finance management tools to boost intergovernmental efficiency and trade.

Officials say the shift toward digital solutions is critical as the region grapples with economic shocks, climate challenges, and youth unemployment.

Somalia’s leadership of the forum comes as the country rebuilds its financial institutions and positions itself as a key player in shaping the Horn’s future economic direction.

The forum concludes Wednesday with a joint communiqué expected to outline new commitments on regional digital integration and cooperation frameworks.