HoAI Trade Ministers Meeting
A Significant Step Forward for Trade Integration in the Horn of Africa
Today, Trade Ministers from the five Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) countries Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan convened in Addis Ababa for the HoAI Trade Ministers Meeting, held under the chairmanship of the Federal Government of Somalia. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Sudan participated remotely.
A major milestone was reached with the establishment of the HoAI Regional Trade Facilitation Committee (RTFC)and the signing of a Joint Ministerial Declaration on its establishment.
The RTFC will serve as a regional platform connecting national trade facilitation structures, strengthening coordination and enabling countries to share experiences, best practices and technical expertise as they advance trade facilitation reforms.
The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of translating the HoAI Trade Facilitation Roadmap 2026–2031 into concrete action and strengthening regional cooperation to address barriers to trade and improve the movement of goods across borders.
The session also provided an opportunity to share lessons learned from the implementation of ongoing HoAI projects. The World Bank and European Union presented key experiences and lessons from their ongoing engagements, contributing to discussions on how to strengthen implementation and build on progress achieved. The African Development Bank (AfDB), UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), BADEA, Germany and the Embassy of Sweden also participated actively in the discussions, reflecting strong development partner engagement in advancing the HoAI agenda.
Today’s signing marks an important step from roadmap to action strengthening the foundations for a more connected, efficient and integrated trading environment in the Horn of Africa.
A shared commitment. A regional mechanism. A roadmap for action.
