Somalia’s accession to the East African Community (EAC) represents a major expansion of the bloc’s geographic, economic, and strategic reach. On 24 November 2023, during the 23rd Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State in Arusha, Tanzania, Somalia officially became the eighth member of the EAC. This decision extended the community’s territory to the Horn of Africa, creating new opportunities for regional trade, investment, and cooperation.
Somalia first applied for EAC membership in 2016, signaling its intention to deepen regional ties and participate in the shared economic framework of East Africa. Its admission followed a thorough assessment process, confirming Somalia’s alignment with the EAC Treaty’s principles and objectives. Membership provides Somalia with access to a market of over 300 million people, as well as participation in the EAC’s customs union, common market, and future integration plans.
One of Somalia’s most significant assets within the EAC is its extensive coastline. Stretching over 3,300 kilometers, it is the longest in mainland Africa and provides direct access to vital shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean. This offers substantial opportunities for expanding regional maritime trade, improving port infrastructure, and enhancing logistics networks that connect East Africa to global markets.
Somalia is also rich in natural resources that hold potential for regional economic growth. Its fisheries sector, supported by abundant marine biodiversity, offers opportunities for both domestic consumption and export within the EAC framework. The country has untapped reserves of oil, gas, and minerals, which can attract investment and promote industrial development when managed sustainably.
In addition to natural resources, Somalia’s agricultural potential is considerable. The country produces a variety of crops and livestock, with the livestock sector being one of the largest in the region. Membership in the EAC opens new markets for Somali agricultural exports and creates opportunities for knowledge exchange in modern farming techniques and value addition.
The strategic location of Somalia also strengthens the EAC’s connectivity with the Middle East and Asia. Enhanced regional transport and trade corridors can position Somalia as a gateway for imports and exports, benefiting the wider community. This integration is further supported by the mobility benefits of EAC membership, allowing Somali entrepreneurs, professionals, and students to participate more actively in regional economic and educational activities.
Somalia’s inclusion in the EAC not only diversifies the community’s economic base but also enhances its strategic presence along the Indian Ocean. With its vast coastline, resource potential, and trade connectivity, Somalia brings valuable opportunities that can contribute significantly to the growth and development of the East African Community as a whole.