A core strategic objective of the trade Pillar of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) is to enhance trade and economic integration in the Horn of Africa region. To achieve this goal, a regional workshop will be held on June 11-12, 2025, in Mogadishu, Somalia. Its purpose is the validation of key trade facilitation mechanisms defined in the Quick Wins and High Gains trade paper adopted during the last HoAI Ministerial Meeting.
Specifically, a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the HoAI-STR and a Joint Ministerial Declaration for the creation of the HoAI-Regional Trade Facilitation Committee will be discussed and validated by national delegates from HoAI countries to fast-track the implementation of two crucial reforms in the Horn of Africa that align with global best practices and are intended to foster inclusive economic development, enhance cross-border trade, and support informal and small-scale traders in the region by promoting their transition to the formal sector.
The proposed reforms to be discussed at the workshop are described here.