The East African Community Conference (EACON 2025) is a premier regional forum dedicated to advancing economic integration, fostering trade, and driving sustainable development across the East African Community (EAC). With Somalia’s recent accession to the EAC, this year’s conference presents a critical opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation, address shared challenges, and explore new avenues for investment and innovation.

The East African Community is one of the fastest-growing regional blocs, yet several challenges hinder seamless economic integration and inclusive growth. Somalia’s entry into the EAC signifies a new phase of economic and trade cooperation, but it also highlights the need for targeted policy coordination, capacity building, and infrastructure investment to ensure effective participation in the regional economy. Agriculture remains the backbone of Somalia’s economy, contributing over 75% to its GDP and employing the majority of the population. However, low productivity, climate induced challenges, and limited access to modern agricultural techniques continue to threaten food security and economic stability. The use of AI-driven solutions, precision farming, and climate resilient practices can play a transformative role in enhancing productivity and strengthening Somalia’s integration into EAC agricultural value chains.