Somalia Studies Kenya’s Digital Trade, Border Systems to Boost EAC Integration | Dawan Africa

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia has stepped up preparations for integration into the East African Community (EAC) after a high-level delegation completed a peer learning mission to Kenya focused on digital trade, customs modernization, regional payment systems and coordinated border management.

The two-day exchange programme, held in Nairobi on June 22–23, brought together senior officials from Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Central Bank, Immigration and Citizenship Agency, Ministry of Finance, academia and the private sector. The mission was led by Mohamed Issak Ibrahim, Director General of East African Community Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was supported by GIZ and the EAC Secretariat.

The programme aimed to expose Somali officials to Kenya’s experience in implementing regional integration through modern digital infrastructure, efficient customs systems and integrated border management as Somalia advances implementation of its EAC Integration Roadmap.

During meetings with Kenya’s State Department for East African Community Affairs, the delegation learned how Kenya coordinates implementation of the EAC’s four pillars—the Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union and Political Federation—through close cooperation among government institutions and harmonized national legislation. Somali officials said the discussions highlighted the importance of strong institutional coordination in translating regional commitments into practical reforms.

The delegation also met officials from the Central Bank of Kenya, who outlined the country’s National Payment System and regional payment infrastructure. Discussions covered the East African Payment System (EAPS), which enables cross-border transactions in local currencies, as well as broader initiatives to strengthen financial inclusion, digital identity, cybersecurity and interoperable payment systems. Somali officials shared progress on Somalia’s own National Payment System and national QR code framework while exploring opportunities for greater regional interoperability.

At sessions on digital commerce, Kenyan officials presented the country’s National E-Commerce Strategy, explaining how legislation, digital infrastructure and cooperation among regulatory agencies support cross-border trade. Somali delegates also reviewed digital customs platforms, payment APIs and cargo tracking technologies designed to simplify trade and improve transparency.