The East African Community Conference 2024 is taking place in Somalia.
Being held at the Afisiyooni Tent in Mogadishu, the EACON 2024 runs between June 24 and 25, 2024.
This significant event convenes 500 high-level policymakers, business leaders, and scholars from the region to discuss the impacts and opportunities of East African Community regional integration.
The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Dr Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is officiating the conference taking place for the first time in the Horn of Africa.
The EACON 2024 aims to promote understanding of the EAC’s role in regional development, highlight the economic, social, and environmental benefits of integration, discuss the future of agriculture, food security, and trade within the East African Region.
It also targets to foster academic collaboration and improve higher education standards, address challenges and opportunities in banking, security, and migration policies, and enhance cross-border trade and investment opportunities.
Mr John Bosco Kalisa, Executive Director of the East Africa Business Council will share insights on the council’s efforts to enhance cross-border trade and investment opportunities and discuss the EABC’s strategic initiatives aimed at fostering a conducive business environment across East Africa.
Conference sessions and discussions will include the impact of the EAC Common Market on Somalia’s agriculture and future of food security, presented by Briandt Gokah, Regional Food Trade Program Officer, West Africa, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
Understanding rules of origin and the Customs Union, toipic will be led by Dr. Idd Ramadhani Mandi, Member of the Committee to Draft the Constitution of the East African Confederation.
On the other hand, Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Nor, will discuss strengthening regional economic integration in the East African Community and its implications for Somalia’s banking sector.
Abdirahman Aynte, Former Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of Somalia, will address the development of a common EAC security and stabilization policy, while Prof. Khoti Chilomba Kamanga will explore migration in the East African Community as a multifaceted phenomenon.
Ms. Jacinta Kiruthi, CEO of In Trade Africa, will speak on the EAC’s role in combatting climate change and protecting the environment.
Prof. Idris Ahmada Rai, Deputy Executive Secretary of Inter-University Council of East Africa, will discuss the East African Community as a common higher education area, highlighting the opportunities and challenges for higher education institutions in the region.
Mustaf Ishak will explore Somalia’s potential economic growth, focusing on the role of agriculture post-integration with the EAC.
Other notable keynote speakers include Dr. Abdikarim Muhayadin, Chair of the Organizing Committee, Bjorn Richter, GIZ Cluster Coordinator, Yasiin Hassan, Head of Public Relations at Hormuud, Farah Sheik Abdulkadir, Minister of Education, Culture, and Higher Education, Eng. Steven D. M. Mlote, East African Community Deputy Secretary General, and Prof. Dr. Thoko Kaime, Chair of African Legal Studies at the University of Bayreuth.
EACON2024 is co-organized by Afisiyooni Tent in partnership with GIZ, Hormuud, SIMAD University, Dalsan Media Group, and the East Africa Business Council.