EACCON 2026 Will Start in October 12-13 2026
Co-Organized By
About EACCON 2026
The East African Community Conference 2026 (EACON 2026) is a two-day regional conference taking place from 12–13 October 2026 in Mogadishu, Somalia. Under the theme “Deepening Domestication Through Competitive Markets, Strategic Investments and Human Capital Development,” the conference will bring together government institutions, EAC representatives, investors, development partners, businesses, universities, civil society and young leaders. EACON 2026 will promote practical dialogue, strategic partnerships and actionable solutions that strengthen Somalia’s implementation of EAC commitments, improve regional competitiveness, mobilise investment and develop a skilled, future-ready workforce.
Theme of This Year
"Deepening Domestication Through Competitive Markets, Strategic Investments and Human Capital Development"
The theme of EACON 2026, “Deepening Domestication Through Competitive Markets, Strategic Investments and Human Capital Development,” focuses on transforming Somalia’s EAC membership into practical economic and institutional benefits. It emphasizes stronger laws and institutions, improved trade systems, competitive businesses, bankable investment projects and a skilled workforce. The theme also highlights Somalia’s potential in ports, livestock, the blue economy, renewable energy, digital finance and regional value chains. By promoting investment, innovation, education and regional connectivity, EACON 2026 aims to support economic transformation, job creation and Somalia’s stronger participation in the East African market.
Conference Sub-Themes
Contributors and sessions align with three core thematic areas.
Theme 1
Domesticating EAC Protocols
Legal, policy and regulatory harmonisation with EAC frameworks; institutional readiness, implementation capacity and inter-agency coordination; compliance, monitoring and public engagement.
Theme 2
Competitive Markets & Regional Trade Integration
Somalia’s participation in the EAC Common Market and regional value chains; customs modernisation and border management; bankable projects, PPPs and investment mobilisation.
Theme 3
Human Capital & the Future Workforce
Education, skills and TVET aligned to regional competitiveness; labour mobility and recognition of qualifications; digital skills, AI and the future of work; research collaboration and youth entrepreneurship.
Participants
The Dialogue will convene approximately 100–200 participants including:
Federal Government Institutions
Federal Member States
Parliamentarians
EAC Secretariat
Development Partners
Institutional Investors
Private Sector Representatives
Chambers of Commerce
Development Finance Institutions
Universities and Research Institutions
Innovation Hubs
Blue Economy and Maritime Stakeholders
Youth and Women's Organizations
Civil Society Organizations
Call for Abstracts
EACON 2026 invites researchers, academics, policymakers and practitioners to contribute to moderator-led Research & Policy Dialogues in Mogadishu. Abstracts are reviewed through an anonymised blind-review process across the three conference themes.
News and Updates
Call for Abstracts: East African Community Conference (EACON 2026)
The East African Community Conference (EACON 2026) invites researchers, academics, policymakers, private sector actors, and development practitioners to submit original…