MOGADISHU, Somalia (HornPost) — Somalia hosted the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the Horn of Africa Finance Ministers’ Forum on Wednesday. The meeting brought together finance ministers and senior officials to discuss regional economic cooperation, infrastructure and financial stability.
It was the first time Mogadishu had hosted the forum. The gathering also highlighted Somalia’s role in regional discussions on economic development and energy access.
President Hassan Sheikh Closes Meeting
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially closed the meeting. He praised participating ministers and regional leaders for promoting cooperation, sharing expertise and supporting financial stability.
The president said hosting the forum reflected Somalia’s recovery and growing confidence in its security and governance.
He also described the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen regional partnerships and advance shared interests.
Mission 300 Takes Centre Stage
The meeting was co-chaired by Somali Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh and European Commission representative Myriam Ferran.
Discussions focused on Mission 300, an initiative that aims to provide electricity access to 300 million people across Africa by 2030. The World Bank and African Development Bank support the initiative.
The programme seeks to expand electricity grids in rural areas and develop mini-grids powered by solar energy. It also aims to train local technicians to help maintain energy systems over the long term.
These efforts are intended to improve electricity access in communities that remain underserved.
Regional Leaders Call for Joint Investment
Djibouti’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, praised Somalia’s resilience and its renewed participation in regional affairs.
African Development Bank Vice President Nnenna Nwabufo stressed the importance of joint financing. She also highlighted the need to include social and environmental standards in development projects.
The European Union and the World Bank reaffirmed their financial and technical support for regional development efforts, according to the information provided about the meeting.
Participants also discussed establishing a regional steering committee. The proposed body would help align national policies and support cross-border electricity trade through the East African Energy Pool.
Electricity Access Seen as a Driver of Growth
Improved electricity access could support economic and social development across the Horn of Africa.
Reliable power can help schools and health facilities operate more effectively. It can also support small businesses, create employment opportunities and strengthen food security.
Participants highlighted the importance of low-carbon energy solutions. They also called for climate and disaster-management measures to be incorporated into development planning.
Somalia Seeks Stronger Regional Role
The 27th ministerial meeting marked another opportunity for countries in the Horn of Africa to discuss shared economic priorities.
Its focus on energy access, regional financing and infrastructure reflects the importance of cooperation in addressing development challenges.
For Somalia, hosting the meeting provided a platform to engage with regional partners and contribute to discussions on sustainable growth across the Horn of Africa.
Prepared by: HornPost Staff Reporter
Email: info@hornpost.com
Website: www.hornpost.com
Location: Mogadishu, Somalia
