Program & Agenda
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How the programme is structured
EACON 2026 runs over two days, structured around moderator-led Research & Policy Dialogues aligned to the conference’s three sub-themes. Switch between days below. The schedule is indicative and will be finalised as speakers and abstracts are confirmed.
08:00 – 09:00
Break
Registration & Welcome Coffee
Delegate check-in and welcome refreshments.
09:00 – 09:45
Ceremony
Opening Ceremony
Welcome remarks from the conference secretariat and host institutions.
09:45 – 10:15
Keynote
Guest of Honor Address
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
President of Somalia
10:15 – 11:30
Panel Discussion
Theme 1 Dialogue: Domesticating EAC Protocols
Legal, policy and regulatory harmonisation with EAC frameworks; institutional readiness and inter-agency coordination.
Panelists
Dr. Abdikarim Mohidin Ahmed
Rector, SIMAD University
H.E. Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir
Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education
Prof. Idris A. Rai
Executive Secretary, IUCEA
Moderated by
Ms. Juweria Mohamed Ibrahim
Conference Coordinator
11:30 – 11:45
Break
Networking Break
11:45 – 13:15
Panel Discussion
Theme 2 Dialogue: Competitive Markets & Regional Trade Integration
Somalia’s participation in the EAC Common Market and regional value chains; customs modernisation and investment mobilisation.
Panelists
Mr. Ahmed Farah
Executive Director, EABC
H.E. Amb. Gamal Mohamed Hassan
Minister of Commerce and Industry
Björn Richter
GIZ–EAC Cluster Coordinator
Moderated by
Dr. Yahye Abukar Ahmed
Deputy Chairperson, Organizing Committee
13:15 – 14:15
Break
Lunch
14:15 – 17:00
Panel Discussion
Research & Policy Dialogue Sessions
Moderator-led sessions drawn from the Call for Abstracts track.
Panelists
Dr. Petro Protas
TGCL Project Coordinator
René Brosius
University of Bayreuth
18:00 – 20:00
Ceremony
Networking Reception
An evening reception for delegates, speakers and partners.
09:00 – 10:30
Panel Discussion
Theme 3 Dialogue: Human Capital & the Future Workforce
Education, skills and TVET aligned to regional competitiveness; digital skills, AI and the future of work.
Panelists
Prof. Dr. Thoko Kaime
University of Bayreuth
Dr. Mohamed Mohamud Mohamed
Rector, Somali National University
Ms. Naima Hussein Ahmed
Team Lead, Executive Engagement Committee
Moderated by
Mr. Mohamed Okash
Team Lead, Program Committee
10:30 – 10:45
Break
Networking Break
10:45 – 12:15
Panel Discussion
High-Level Panel: Regional Leaders Roundtable
A closing panel of senior government, EAC and private-sector leaders.
Panelists
H.E. Amb. Ali Mohamed Omar
State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Dr. Amina Omar Mohamud
Chairperson, Organizing Committee
Mr. Nasrullah Mohamed Jam'a
Executive Engagement Committee
Moderated by
Mr. Zakaria Hassan Abdulle
Secretariat
12:15 – 13:15
Break
Lunch
13:15 – 14:15
Ceremony
Closing Ceremony & Communiqué
Presentation of outcomes and the conference communiqué.