The Federal Republic of Somalia has invited Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from across the East African Community (EAC) to invest, trade, and collaborate in building a stronger regional economy.
Speaking during Somalia Day at the ongoing 25th EAC MSME Expo at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Somalia’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Mohamed Abdi Hayir Mareye, said his country is fully committed to regional integration and creating an inclusive business environment.
“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. 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,” he said.
The Somalia Day Symposium marked the beginning of country-specific sessions at the regional Expo, shining a spotlight on Somalia’s business opportunities, culture, and efforts to support entrepreneurship.
Mareye highlighted Somalia’s growing alignment with EAC policies, including an executive order by the President to adopt Kiswahili as an official language, a move that he said demonstrates Somalia’s deepening commitment to regional unity.
The Director General at Somalia’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Ibrahim Ahmed Osman, expressed gratitude to the EAC business community for welcoming Somali enterprises. He called for stronger partnerships that will promote shared 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,” Osman said.
Kenya’s Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) Chairman, James Mureu, said the event underlined the region’s determination to boost trade within the EAC.
“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 attended by H.E. Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, and H.E. Francesca Di Mauro, EU Delegation Ambassador to Somalia, among other dignitaries.
The 25th EAC MSME Expo continues to serve as a platform for regional entrepreneurs to network, showcase innovations, and explore new markets across East Africa.
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