Horn of Africa Initiative

A robust platform for countries to pursue their regional priorities in a decisive and coordinated manner.

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

📷 Ahead of the Annual Meetings - Watch the Horn of Africa Initiative Highlights Video!

In the lead-up to the WBG–IMF Annual Meetings, the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) looks back on the momentum achieved during the 2025 Spring Meetings. To date, nearly US$13 billion has been mobilized or programmed in support of its strategic pillars.

🎥 The new HoAI Highlights Video captures key moments from the 24th HoAI Ministerial Meeting in Washington, D.C., where Finance Ministers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan joined partners from the African Development Bank (AfDB), BMZ Germany, the European Union (EU), UK FCDO and the World Bank Group (WBG) to advance its four strategic pillars of infrastructure and connectivity, regional trade integration, resilience, and human capital.

The video showcases a bold regional trade facilitation plan, including steps toward a Horn of Africa (HoA) Simplified Trade Regime and the creation of a Regional Trade Facilitation Committee — key milestones in strengthening economic connectivity and competitiveness across the region.

A symbolic highlight is the handover of the HoAI Chairmanship from Ethiopia to Somalia, marking a seamless leadership transition and renewed commitment to regional cooperation.

Together, countries and partners are turning vision into action — driving trade, deepening partnerships, and building a more connected, competitive, and resilient Horn of Africa. #africa #hornofafrica

@MoF_Somalia @MoF_Ethiopia @KeTreasury @mefidjibouti @WorldBank @AfDB_Group @EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund @FCDOGovUK

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

A Significant Step Forward for Trade Integration in the Horn of Africa

Trade Ministers from the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) countries convened in Addis Ababa for the HoAI Trade Ministers Meeting, marking an important milestone in advancing regional trade integration.

The meeting saw the establishment of the HoAI Regional Trade Facilitation Committee (RTFC) and the signing of a Joint Ministerial Declaration, creating a regional platform to strengthen coordination, share expertise and support trade facilitation reforms across the region.

Building on the HoAI Trade Facilitation Roadmap 2026–2031, Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to turning regional priorities into concrete action and addressing barriers to trade and the movement of goods across borders.

A shared commitment. A regional mechanism. A roadmap for action.

Read the full story here: https://t.co/DiTuSIsw8M

@MoF_Somalia @MoFP_SSD @MoF_Ethiopia @KeTreasury @mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup @AfDB_Group @EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund @FCDOGovUK @badeabank

#HoAI #HoAITradeMinistersMeeting #HornOfAfrica #RegionalIntegration #RegionalTrade #EconomicIntegration #TradeFacilitation #InclusiveGrowth #AddisAbaba #AfricaTrade

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

🌍 HOAI Trade Ministers Meeting

Five countries. One shared economic space. A stronger, more connected Horn of Africa.

On 3 September 2026, Trade Ministers from across the Horn of Africa will come together in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to advance regional trade, strengthen economic integration, and unlock new opportunities for investment and inclusive growth.

The meeting will focus on regional trade facilitation, policy harmonization, and joint action—turning political commitment into tangible regional progress.

🤝 Together, we trade. Together, we transform.

@MoF_Somalia @MoFP_SSD @MoF_Ethiopia
@KeTreasury @mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup
@AfDB_Group @EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund
@FCDOGovUK @badeabank

#HoAI #HoAITradeMinistersMeeting #HornOfAfrica #RegionalIntegration #RegionalTrade #EconomicIntegration #TradeFacilitation #InclusiveGrowth #AddisAbaba #AfricaTrade

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

The Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) Trade Facilitation Roadmap Regional Validation Workshop was successfully held in Nairobi, bringing together trade experts from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan for two days of productive and consensual discussions.

The workshop achieved an important milestone with the validation and endorsement of the Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing regional trade integration and cooperation.

The endorsed Roadmap will now be presented to the Trade Ministers at the upcoming Ministerial Meeting in Addis Ababa, chaired by H.E. Gamal M. Hassan, Minister of Commerce and Industry of Somalia, where the Ministers are expected to sign the Roadmap and provide direction for its implementation.

The Ministerial comes at a critical time. Given today’s challenging economic and geopolitical realities, coupled with the need to accelerate growth and create jobs, trade is pivotal to regional integration, economic resilience and shared prosperity.

Special thanks to the Government of Germany and KfW for co-facilitating the process, and to all HoAI Development Partners for their continued support to advancing regional integration in the Horn of Africa.

Visit: https://t.co/rQtZLSW6QM

@MoF_Somalia @MoFP_SSD @MoF_Ethiopia @KeTreasury @mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup @AfDB_Group @EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund @FCDOGovUK @badeabank @AmbGamal @KfW_int

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

High-ranking officials from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan are meeting in Nairobi on 14 August to validate the second edition of the HoAI Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap. Developed through national consultations with public institutions and private-sector stakeholders, the roadmap takes a bottom-up approach, identifying practical challenges at national level and building regional solutions around them. It focuses on improving cross-border trade, transport connectivity, customs and regulatory processes, and economic cooperation across the Horn of Africa.

Read more: https://t.co/BTEvp8CP3N

@MoF_Somalia @MoFP_SSD @MoF_Ethiopia @KeTreasury @mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup @AfDB_Group @EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund @FCDOGovUK @badeabank

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

The Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) is pleased to invite stakeholders to participate in the public consultation on the draft Revised Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap (2026–2031).

The draft Roadmap has been developed taking into consideration the outcomes of national consultations conducted across HoAI member countries. It sets out a framework of priority actions aimed at advancing regional trade integration, facilitating cross-border trade, strengthening trade and transport connectivity, and promoting deeper economic cooperation across the Horn of Africa.

The HoAI Secretariat welcomes the views and contributions of governments, private sector representatives, development partners, academia, civil society organizations, and other interested stakeholders. Stakeholders are invited to review the draft Roadmap and provide comments, observations, and recommendations.

The feedback received through this consultation will contribute to the further refinement and finalization of the Roadmap, ahead of its consideration at the Regional Validation Workshop.

Comments and feedback are kindly requested by Thursday, 13 August 2026, and should be submitted to the HoAI Secretariat at [email protected].

📄 Read the draft Roadmap: https://t.co/LmnB2lwwgE

The HoAI Secretariat highly appreciates the engagement and valuable contributions of all stakeholders to this important regional initiative.

#HornOfAfricaInitiative #TradeFacilitation #RegionalIntegration #HornOfAfrica #EconomicDevelopment #RegionalCooperation

@MoF_Somalia @MoFP_SSD @MoF_Ethiopia @KeTreasury @mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup
@AfDB_Group @EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund @FCDOGovUK @badeabank

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

The Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) is pleased to welcome the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) as its 6th Development Partner.

BADEA's accession marks an important milestone in strengthening the Initiative's partnership platform and reinforces our shared commitment to advancing regional integration, economic resilience, trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth across the Horn of Africa.

As the Initiative continues to expand its partnerships, BADEA's expertise and support will contribute to delivering impactful regional programmes and fostering inclusive development for the people of the Horn of Africa.

The initiative looks forward to working closely with @badeabank and all Development Partners to advance the Initiative's shared vision of a more connected, prosperous, and resilient Horn of Africa.

@MoF_Somalia @MoFP_SSD @MoF_Ethiopia
@KeTreasury @mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup
@AfDB_Group @EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund
@FCDOGovUK

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

Kenya National Trade Consultation Marks Final In-Country Mission Ahead of Regional Validation

The Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) successfully convened the Kenya National Trade Consultation, the final in-country trade mission in a series of national consultations conducted across Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Kenya in preparation for the upcoming HoAI Trade Ministers' Meeting scheduled for September in Addis Ababa.

The consultation was officially opened through virtual remarks delivered on behalf of the Chair of the Horn of Africa Initiative, H.E. @BihiEgeh, Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Somalia, by the Head of Secretariat Mr. @LibanObsiye reaffirming the collective commitment of HoAI member countries to advancing regional trade facilitation and economic integration.

The mission brought together representatives from government institutions and representatives from the private sector to identify priority actions for strengthening the region's trade facilitation agenda. Discussions focused on enhancing policy and regulatory cooperation, reducing barriers to trade, and improving regional connectivity to support increased intra regional trade.

The outcomes of the national consultations will be consolidated during the forthcoming Regional Validation Workshop before being presented to the HoAI Trade Ministers for consideration and adoption in Addis Ababa.

The HoAI Secretariat expresses its appreciation to the Governments of HoAI countries, the national technical teams, Development Partners, and all stakeholders for their valuable contributions. Special appreciation is extended to Germany for its technical leadership and continued support throughout the consultation process.

Together, HoAI member countries continue to advance practical solutions that promote regional integration, facilitate trade, and foster sustainable economic growth across the Horn of Africa.

@MoF_Somalia @KeTreasury @MoFP_SSD @MoF_Ethiopia @mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup
@AfDB_Group @EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund
@FCDOGovUK @FreddiFritz

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

Day One of the Kenya Trade Mission

As part of preparations for the forthcoming HoAI Trade Ministers' Meeting in Addis Ababa, a meeting was held today with Hon. @GovLeeKinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry of Kenya, to discuss priorities for advancing regional trade and economic integration.

The meeting, led by the Deputy Head of Development Cooperation of the German Embassy in Nairobi, was attended by representatives from the EU Commission, World Bank, UK Embassy in Nairobi, KfW (Germany Development Bank) and a Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) delegation, alongside senior officials from the Government of Kenya and other key trade stakeholders.

Discussions focused on strengthening transport and logistics corridors, improving border efficiency, promoting strategic infrastructure investments, and fostering stronger partnerships among governments, development partners, the private sector, and local communities.

Participants highlighted Kenya's growing role as a logistics hub and discussed opportunities to enhance value chains integration in the region, creating sustainable economic activities along key trade corridors. They also emphasized the importance of addressing logistics bottlenecks and encouraging greater investment.

Hon. Lee Kinyanjui reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to working with regional partners and development partners to facilitate trade, strengthen regional connectivity, and promote investments that support sustainable economic growth across the Horn of Africa.

The Kenya Trade Mission marks the culmination of a series of national consultations that will shape the Horn of Africa's regional trade facilitation agenda ahead of the Trade Ministers' Meeting in Addis Ababa, where participating States will agree on shared priorities and the way forward.

@KeTreasury @MoF_Somalia @MoFP_SSD
@MoF_Ethiopia @mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup
@AfDB_Group @EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund
@FCDOGovUK

[Hon Lee Kinyanjui @GovLeeKinyanjui]

Trade is one of the strongest foundations for regional peace, stability and shared prosperity. Kenya is therefore committed to deepening economic cooperation with our neighbours in the Horn of Africa, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea.

This morning, I met the technical team of the Horn of Africa Initiative to review progress in strengthening regional trade and investment.

I emphasised that unlocking the full potential of intra-regional trade requires strategic investment in transport infrastructure, trade facilitation and efficient logistics corridors.
The Lamu Port and the LAPSSET Corridor, which links Kenya to Ethiopia and the wider region, are transformative projects that are redefining trade across the Horn of Africa.

As global supply chains continue to evolve, Lamu is increasingly positioning itself as a preferred transshipment hub, reinforcing Kenya's role as a strategic logistics and investment gateway to the continent.

The growing investor interest in Lamu, including plans by the Dangote Group to establish an oil refinery, further demonstrates the region's immense economic potential.

I also stressed that the forthcoming Horn of Africa Trade Ministers' Meeting, scheduled for 2–3 September 2026 in Ethiopia, should deliver practical outcomes that remove barriers to trade, improve border efficiency and strengthen regional value chains to accelerate economic integration.

I was joined by PS for Trade Regina Ombam, while the Horn of Africa Initiative delegation was led by Friederike Hemker, Head of Development Cooperation, Sudan.
@MITIKenya
@Trade_Kenya

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

South Sudan Champions Digital Trade and Regional Integration

The drive to advance regional trade integration across the Horn of Africa took center stage in Juba as stakeholders gathered for South Sudan’s National Trade Consultation on the revision of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap.

Organized and facilitated by the HoAI Secretariat in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of South Sudan, the consultation brought together representatives from key government institutions, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards, and other public and private sector stakeholders.

The consultation forms part of a series of national engagements across HoAI member states aimed at ensuring the revised Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap reflects national priorities while advancing a shared vision for regional economic integration. Building on consultations already held in Somalia, Djibouti, and Ethiopia, the process is helping to shape priorities ahead of upcoming regional and ministerial discussions.

In her remarks, Hon. Dr. Margaret Labanya Mathya, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of South Sudan, emphasized that digitalization is the future of trade facilitation and economic transformation. She highlighted the importance of embracing innovation to improve trade processes, enhance efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for businesses and communities.

Participants underscored the importance of strengthening regional connectivity, reducing trade barriers, facilitating cross-border trade, and promoting inclusive economic growth across the Horn of Africa.

The outcomes of the consultation will contribute to ongoing preparations for upcoming HoAI engagements, including the next Trade Ministers’ Meeting, as member states continue working together to advance regional integration and shared prosperity.

Read more: https://t.co/d3oriSPzsz

#HoAI #SouthSudan #TradeFacilitation #RegionalIntegration #DigitalTrade #EconomicDevelopment

@MoF_Somalia @MoFP_SSD @MoF_Ethiopia
@KeTreasury @mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup
@AfDB_Group @EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund
@FCDOGovUK

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

Driving Trade Reform in the Horn of Africa

Consultations in Somalia, Djibouti, and Ethiopia have been successfully concluded under Somalia’s Chairmanship and Germany’s technical leadership, bringing together governments, private sector, and partners to advance regional trade facilitation.

Strong commitment from Ministers of Finance and Trade is pushing for concrete, results-driven improvements.

Next: South Sudan and Kenya consultations, followed by regional validation and the Trade Ministers’ Meeting on 3 September 2026 in Addis Ababa.

Read more: https://t.co/tlBZe64yzS

#HornOfAfricaInitiative #TradeFacilitation #RegionalIntegration #Trade #EconomicIntegration #SharedProsperity

@MoF_Somalia @MoF_Ethiopia @KeTreasury
@mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup @AfDB_Group
@EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund @FCDOGovUK

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

Momentum is building for a new phase of regional trade integration in the Horn of Africa.

A delegation comprising experts from the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) Secretariat, officials from GIZ, Anja Pauls of the German Embassy, GIZ Technical Advisors, national advisors from Somalia and Djibouti, and regional trade specialists held high-level consultations with Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, and the State Minister for Trade Integration and Export Promotion, Tazer Gebregziabher. The meetings focused on the ongoing revision of the HoAI Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap and preparations for the Horn of Africa Initiative Trade Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for September 2026.

The consultations provided an opportunity to take stock of progress achieved through national stakeholder engagements across the region and to discuss the strategic priorities that will shape the next generation of trade facilitation reforms. At the heart of the discussions was a shared recognition that deeper regional integration, more efficient trade corridors, and stronger institutional cooperation are becoming increasingly critical to the region’s economic future.

The dialogue will continue tomorrow in Addis Ababa, where a broad-based roundtable will convene representatives from government institutions, the private sector, development partners, and other key stakeholders. The event will serve as a platform for Ethiopian stakeholders to provide inputs and recommendations on the revised Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap before it is presented to Trade Ministers from across the Horn of Africa.

Both Minister Ahmed Shide and State Minister Tazer Gebregziabher voiced strong support for the process and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing the regional integration agenda under the Horn of Africa Initiative. They underscored the importance of maintaining reform momentum, accelerating trade facilitation measures, and strengthening cross-border economic linkages as essential foundations for enhancing competitiveness, attracting investment, and unlocking shared prosperity across the region.

As the Horn of Africa continues to deepen economic cooperation, the revised roadmap is expected to provide a renewed framework for transforming trade corridors into engines of regional connectivity, growth, and resilience.

#HornOfAfricaInitiative #TradeFacilitation #RegionalIntegration #Trade #EconomicIntegration #SharedProsperity

@MoF_Somalia @MoF_Ethiopia @KeTreasury
@mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup @AfDB_Group
@EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund @FCDOGovUK

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

Speaking during the opening of the National Trade Consultation in Djibouti, H.E. Orbis Helaf Orbis, Minister of Commerce and Tourism, highlighted that commerce is more than an economic tool—it is a bridge between peoples, fostering cooperation, trust, and shared prosperity.

The Minister emphasized that trade is a powerful instrument for stability and a driver of regional influence. He noted that as exchanges expand, opportunities multiply, and as economies become more integrated, trust among nations and communities is strengthened.

Underscoring the importance of deeper regional cooperation, H.E. Orbis stressed that shared prosperity must remain at the heart of economic integration efforts, laying the foundation for a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous future for Djibouti, the Horn of Africa, and the African continent.

The National Trade Consultation brings together government institutions, border agencies, private sector representatives, and development partners to contribute to the ongoing review of the Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap ahead of the Horn of Africa Initiative Trade Ministers' Meeting.

#HornOfAfricaInitiative #TradeFacilitation #RegionalIntegration #Djibouti #Trade #EconomicIntegration #SharedProsperity

@MoF_Somalia @MoF_Ethiopia @KeTreasury
@mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup @AfDB_Group
@EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund @FCDOGovUK

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

Somalia National Trade Consultation Advances Regional Trade Facilitation Agenda

The Somalia National Trade Consultation on Regional Trade Facilitation concluded successfully today, marking another important milestone in the Horn of Africa Initiative's efforts to strengthen regional trade and economic integration.

Delivering the closing remarks, H.E. @BihiEgeh, Minister of Finance of the Federal Government of Somalia and current Chair of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI), officially closed the successful three-day consultation in Mogadishu and emphasized that meaningful regional integration can only be achieved through strong technical engagement and sustained collaboration among participating countries.

He highlighted the critical role of government institutions, trade experts, and practitioners in translating regional commitments into tangible reforms that facilitate trade and improve connectivity.

The HoAI Chair also expressed appreciation to development partners for their continued support in advancing the region's trade facilitation agenda. He underscored that the ongoing national consultations across HoAI member countries are ensuring that national priorities, practical challenges, and country-specific opportunities are fully reflected in the updated Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap.

In concluding the consultations, H.E. Bihi reaffirmed the Horn of Africa Initiative's commitment to building a more connected, competitive, and prosperous region through country-led reforms, stronger regional cooperation, and concrete actions that reduce barriers to trade and unlock new economic opportunities for businesses and communities across the Horn of Africa.

#HoAI #TradeFacilitation #RegionalIntegration #HornOfAfrica #Somalia #EconomicDevelopment #TradeAndConnectivity

@MoF_Somalia @MoF_Ethiopia
@KeTreasury @mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup @AfDB_Group @EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund
@FCDOGovUK

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

Somalia Launches National Trade Consultation Ahead of the HoAI Trade Ministers Meeting

H.E. Gamal M. Hassan, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Federal Government of Somalia, together with Mr. Liban Obsiye, Head of the HoAI Secretariat, acting in representation of the Minister of Finance and Chair of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI), H.E. Bihi Iman Egeh, officially launched the Somalia National Trade Consultation on Regional Trade Facilitation.

The three-day consultation brings together government institutions, development partners, including the World Bank, the European Union, and Germany, as well as regional stakeholders to review progress under the existing Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap and identify priorities for its update.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Minister Gamal emphasized the need to move beyond dialogue and policy commitments toward concrete actions that facilitate trade and drive economic growth. He called for a prioritized pipeline of regional trade integration projects and highlighted the importance of delivering tangible outcomes, including improved trade infrastructure, border facilities, and cross-border connectivity.

The consultation will help shape Somalia's contributions to the updated Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap and inform discussions at the upcoming HoAI Trade Ministers Meeting, advancing regional trade, connectivity, and economic integration across the Horn of Africa.

#HoAI #TradeFacilitation #RegionalIntegration #Somalia #HornOfAfrica #EconomicDevelopment #TradeAndInvestment

@MoF_Somalia @MoF_Ethiopia @KeTreasury
@mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup @AfDB_Group
@EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund @FCDOGovUK

[Horn of Africa Initiative @hoainitiative]

Ministerial Implementation Tracker Building Capacity Across the Horn of Africa 🌍

The Horn of Africa Initiative is strengthening accountability in the energy sector through its Ministerial Implementation Tracker, monitoring 29 commitments across planning, institutional strengthening, market readiness, and energy access.

This week, a 2 day workshop brought together National Advisors and Energy Thematic Leaders from Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Djibouti.

✅ Training focused on evidence based data collection, the Green/Yellow/Red rating system, and sequenced stakeholder engagement.
✅ Participants are now better equipped to track progress, validate commitments, and ensure Ministers receive accurate updates.

Because what gets tracked, gets reported, and ultimately gets implemented.

#HoAI #EnergyAccess #RegionalIntegration #CapacityBuilding #HornOfAfrica

@MoF_Somalia @MoF_Ethiopia @KeTreasury
@mefidjibouti @worldbankgroup @AfDB_Group
@EU_Commission @BMZ_Bund @FCDOGovUK