The Minister of Finance of the Federal Government of Somalia, Bihi Iman Egeh, chaired the 29th meeting of the Horn of Africa Cooperation Forum, which focused on strengthening regional cooperation and financing economic projects.
The one-day meeting was attended by ministers from member countries, as well as representatives from donor nations and international organizations, including the World Bank, the African Development Bank, IGAD, and the European Union.
Discussions centered on fostering regional integration, strengthening economic cooperation, and financing the economic priorities of Horn of Africa nations.
Particular attention was also paid to the development of economic infrastructure—specifically electricity, water, and roads connecting the countries of the region—which are vital for facilitating trade and movement.
During the meeting, a trade development action plan for the Horn of Africa was approved; this plan had previously been prepared by the trade ministers of the countries participating in the Horn of Africa Initiative.
The plan originated from a meeting held by the trade ministers in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, in August 2026. Minister Bihi Iman Egeh expressed his gratitude to the member countries of the Horn of Africa Initiative and international partners for their continued support of the initiative, particularly in the areas of development, cooperation, and the financing of projects vital to the region.
The 29th meeting also underscored the importance of Horn of Africa nations and their international partners further strengthening their cooperation to accelerate regional projects and expand economic and trade opportunities within the region.
