Mogadishu, Somalia — January 28, 2026 President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially closed the 27th Meeting of Finance Ministers of the Horn of Africa Cooperation Forum on Tuesday evening, marking a significant milestone for Somalia’s economic recovery and regional integration efforts.
The meeting, held in Mogadishu for the first time, focused on strengthening regional economic cooperation, promoting experience — sharing, and advancing economic stability across the Horn of Africa. President Mohamud commended the Finance Ministers and senior officials from member states for their contributions.
Officials commented on the matter.
He also highlighted the importance of Somalia’s current chairmanship of the forum as an opportunity to deepen regional collaboration and advance shared economic interests among member states. Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh, who chairs the Horn of Africa Initiative, called for transforming borders into economic zones to enhance regional economic interdependence.
This call aligns with the broader goals of the forum, which aims to foster regional integration and economic development among member states, including Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
While the meeting was a positive step towards regional economic cooperation, it also comes against the backdrop of Somalia’s ongoing political and economic challenges. Recent reports indicate that the country is still dealing with significant political disputes and uncertainty, which could impact the outcomes of such meetings.
Regional officials confirmed that the meeting provided a platform for member states to discuss ways to address these challenges and work towards a more stable and prosperous region.
However, the specifics of the outcomes and agreements reached during the meeting remain unclear at this time. Further details are expected as the Horn of Africa Cooperation Forum continues its efforts to promote economic stability and integration in the region.
Source: sonna.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
