Somalia’s accession to the East African Community marks the beginning of a new chapter—one defined not only by regional membership, but also by trade, investment, institutional cooperation, innovation and shared economic growth. The East African Community Conference 2026 (EACON 2026) will provide a national and regional platform for transforming this historic membership into practical opportunities for Somali institutions, businesses and citizens.
Taking place from 28–30 September 2026 in Mogadishu, Somalia, EACON 2026 will be a three-day, in-person conference bringing together approximately 100–200 participants from government institutions, the EAC Secretariat, development partners, the private sector, universities, investors, civil society, innovation hubs, youth and women’s organisations, and blue-economy stakeholders.
From Regional Membership to Meaningful Results
Under the theme:
“Deepening Domestication Through Competitive Markets, Strategic Investments and Human Capital Development”
EACON 2026 will focus on the practical steps required to translate Somalia’s EAC membership into measurable national and regional outcomes. The conference will examine how Somalia can align its institutions and policies with EAC commitments, strengthen the competitiveness of Somali enterprises, mobilise strategic investment and prepare its workforce for an increasingly integrated East African economy.
Somalia enters the East African Community with significant strategic advantages. Its extensive coastline, ports, livestock economy, blue-economy resources, renewable-energy potential, digital-finance ecosystem and entrepreneurial private sector can position the country as an important bridge between the Horn of Africa and the wider East African market. EACON 2026 will explore how these strengths can be converted into competitive markets, investment-ready projects, skilled human capital and connected regional value chains.
Four Strategic Areas of Discussion
The conference programme will be structured around four interconnected pillars:
Domesticating EAC Integration and Strengthening Institutional Readiness will examine the alignment of Somalia’s laws, policies and institutions with regional commitments.
Competitive Markets, Trade and Regional Connectivity will focus on trade facilitation, customs modernisation, standards compliance, transport corridors, ports, logistics and private-sector readiness.
Strategic Investments, Bankable Projects and Economic Transformation will identify investment opportunities in infrastructure, agriculture, livestock, renewable energy, manufacturing, logistics and the blue economy.
Human Capital, Innovation and Future Workforce Development will explore education, technical training, research collaboration, professional accreditation, labour mobility, entrepreneurship, digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
A Conference Designed for Action
EACON 2026 will go beyond conventional conference discussions. Its programme will combine high-level plenary sessions, four technical breakout sessions, an investor and project-matchmaking forum, a ministerial roundtable and a marketplace exhibition showcasing Somali enterprises and innovation hubs.
These sessions will support policy dialogue, institutional coordination, partnership development and the preparation of actionable recommendations for Somalia’s EAC integration agenda. Participants will have opportunities to exchange experience, build regional partnerships, present investment ideas and contribute to practical solutions for strengthening Somalia’s competitiveness within East Africa.
Join the Regional Conversation
EACON 2026 welcomes policymakers, government representatives, parliamentarians, investors, entrepreneurs, academics, researchers, development institutions, civil-society leaders, young professionals and regional partners committed to Somalia’s successful integration into the East African Community.
Together, we can move from accession to implementation, from opportunity to investment, and from regional membership to shared prosperity.
Mogadishu awaits. East Africa connects. The future begins at EACON 2026.