Somalia’s Membership in the East African Community: Opportunities and Challenges

Somalia’s formal inclusion into the East African Community (EAC) on December 15, 2023, is a historic chapter for the East African region—a milestone for both Somalia and the regional bloc. This successful inclusion demonstrates Somalia’s commitment to regional integration and the EAC’s dedication to expanding the bloc. This report will comprehensively examine the challenging journey of Somalia to the integration, and the country’s resilience in overcoming significant internal challenges and meeting the necessary criteria for accession. The analysis focuses on the transformative potential of this membership and how it can offer Somalia an open door to economic prosperity, trade opportunities, and security
cooperation.

The report places the inclusion of Somalia into the regional economic bloc within the broader context of African unity and integration, aligning with the goals and aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It highlights the importance of incorporating Somalia into the regional bloc, bringing economic and geopolitical benefits, and collective answers to shared challenges. However, challenges on both sides—economic disparities, security concerns, and cultural dynamics—are acknowledged.