The economic and business advantages of Somalia's membership in the east African community: Mutual gains and future prospects

The decision of Somalia to join the East African Community (EAC) is an important step forward in the pursuit of regional development and business expansion. This research will provide insight into what economic benefits Somalia can expect as a member of the EAC, which include increased trade opportunities and market access, foreign direct investment, diversification of sectors, and the potential for the EAC to benefit economically from Somalia's entry into the community. This research used a combination of methods to develop this research; literature reviews and policy analyses were conducted by reviewing current conference materials and economic statistics. This paper provides suggestions on how to align Somalia's policy objectives with those of the EAC, particularly in areas such as: infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and strategic development of selected sectors. In conclusion, the research indicated that Somalia's entry into the EAC has created opportunities for both countries to grow their economies, create jobs and integrate into each other's markets.