About the Centre

The Horn of Africa Centre for Regional Integration is established with the vision of promoting lasting peace and sustainable development through good governance, regional cooperation, and deeper integration among the countries of the Horn of Africa. Recognising that peace, stability and prosperity are interconnected, the Centre seeks to serve as a platform for dialogue, research, policy development and collaborative action that strengthens regional partnerships and advances shared development objectives.

The Centre's primary focus is on Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia. These four countries are bound together by deep geographical, social, cultural, economic and historical ties that provide a strong foundation for enhanced cooperation. By building on these shared connections and addressing common opportunities and challenges collectively, the countries can foster greater peace, stability and prosperity for their peoples. A more integrated Horn of Africa will also be better positioned to strengthen cooperation with neighbouring countries and regional and international partners.

Together, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia represent a region of immense strategic and economic significance. Home to approximately 150 million people, the region possesses abundant mineral resources, major river systems, and more than 4,000 kilometres of coastline along the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. These assets, combined with the region's strategic location at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and global maritime trade routes, offer significant opportunities for economic transformation, trade, investment and sustainable development.

Through regional integration, the countries of the Horn of Africa can unlock this potential, improve the well-being of their citizens, and contribute more effectively to peace, stability and economic growth across the wider region and beyond.