The Federal Republic of Somalia has declared its doors open for business, inviting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from across the East African Community (EAC) to invest, trade, and collaborate in building a prosperous regional economy.
Speaking during Somalia Day at the ongoing 25th East African Community MSMEs Trade Fair at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, the country's Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Mareye), reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to the EAC integration agenda and to creating a vibrant, inclusive business environment for entrepreneurs.
“This is a proud moment for Somalia as we participate in the EAC MSME Expo for the first time. Our participation reflects Somalia’s readiness to engage, trade, and grow together with our East African brothers and sisters,” he said.
Somalia is strategically located as a natural gateway connecting East Africa to the Middle East and Asia, making it an ideal hub for regional trade and investment.”
The Somalia Day Symposium marked the beginning of country-specific sessions at the 25th EAC MSME Expo, highlighting Somalia’s unique business potential, rich culture, and determination to create an enabling ecosystem for MSMEs.
The Minister further underscored Somalia’s growing alignment with the EAC integration framework, including an executive order by the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia to adopt Kiswahili as an official language, a move that demonstrates the country’s deepening commitment to regional unity.
Ibrahim Ahmed Osman, Director General, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Federal Republic of Somalia, thanked the East African MSME community for warmly embracing Somalia’s enterprises and fostering partnerships that promote mutual growth and prosperity.
“We are ready to collaborate with MSMEs from across East Africa in sectors such as agribusiness, fisheries, manufacturing, logistics, and digital innovation. Together, we can drive trade-led development and create jobs for our people,” he said.
James Mureu, Chairman of the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), emphasized Kenya’s pride in hosting this landmark event and the importance of
accelerating intra-EAC trade. “Intra-regional trade currently stands at about 12%.
Through partnerships such as this one, we aim to raise it to 25% in the near future. Kenya and Somalia share a deep commitment to empowering MSMEs as engines of economic transformation,” he said.
The Somalia Day symposium was also graced by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the Republic of Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, and
Francesca Di Mauro, EU Delegation Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Somalia.
