A historic chapter unfolds! Today, we celebrate Somalia's official entry into the East African Community (EAC), a momentous occasion that promises a brighter future for our region. Somalia's strategic location, vast resources, and entrepreneurial spirit add a vital piece to the EAC puzzle, paving the way for a more dynamic and competitive East Africa.

Somalia boasts a strategic coastline along the Indian Ocean, a vital artery for regional trade. Its untapped resources, from fertile land to potential mineral wealth, hold incredible potential for the entire bloc. Furthermore, the industrious spirit of the Somali people will undoubtedly contribute to the region's dynamism and innovation.

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However, let us not be naïve. Integration challenges remain within the EAC. Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) – bureaucratic hurdles and delays at borders – continue to cripple intra-regional trade. These invisible walls stifle economic growth and frustrate businesses across the bloc.

The previous experience was that countries were not moving at the same pace when it comes to the implementation of key protocols like the Common Market and the Customs Union.

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For instance, a recent study indicates that the direct cost of NTBs to the region is as much as $94 million, something that all our leaders must urgently and collectively address.

The inclusion of Somalia underscores the urgency of dismantling these barriers. Let Somalia's entry serve as a catalyst for renewed commitment to a truly integrated East Africa. We must streamline border procedures, harmonize regulations, and prioritize the free movement of goods and people.

The true test of the EAC's success lies in its ability to uplift the lives of ordinary citizens – the "mwananchi”. Economic integration must translate into tangible benefits for all. Lowering trade barriers will lead to cheaper goods for consumers, while increased trade will create jobs and opportunities, especially for young people.

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The onus lies on our regional leaders to foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. Let us commit to open dialogue, addressing concerns constructively, and finding solutions that benefit all EAC members.

Somalia's entry is a cause for celebration, but it's also a call to action. Let us work together, dismantling the remaining walls within the EAC and building a truly united East Africa that fosters prosperity for all. Together, we can turn the promise of a stronger EAC into a reality for every mwananchi across the region.

While there is still a long journey towards a political federation, there are so many low hanging fruits that come with economic integration, which can be harvested if we all look in the same direction.