Plan growth proactively
Use urban expansion planning to guide land, infrastructure, housing, mobility and environmental protection.
The third regional dialogue
THE THIRD EAST AFRICANCITY CORRIDOR
(EACC) DIALOGUE
From Dialogue to Delivery: Planned Growth, Investment-Ready Cities, and Jobs for Women and Youth
DATE25 AUGUST 2026
HOST CITYHARGEISA, SOMALILAND
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Objective
Connectivity should create
prosperous cities.
The EACC Dialogue supports corridor cities to transform trade, investment and human mobility into planned, inclusive and climate-resilient urban growth that creates opportunity for women, youth, migrants and host communities.
From ambition to action
A city-led framework
for delivery.
The third Dialogue moves beyond exchanging ideas. It reviews progress, converts recommendations into accountable actions, assigns institutional responsibilities and identifies realistic financing pathways.
Prepare credible investments
Advance city-led projects toward feasibility, financing and implementation through clear ownership and preparation pathways.
Build inclusive economies
Expand trade, jobs, enterprise, skills and financial inclusion for women, youth, migrants and host communities.
Coordinate delivery
Clarify institutional responsibilities and establish a practical 12–18-month mechanism for action and accountability.
The delivery pathway
Dialogue
Planning
Investment
Jobs
Delivery
Thematic pillars
Three connected systems
for cities that deliver.
Planned Urban Growth & Investment-Ready Cities
Guide urban expansion before growth becomes disorderly, align land and infrastructure decisions, and turn city priorities into inclusive, climate-resilient and financeable projects.
Trade Facilitation & Inclusive Corridor Economies
Remove barriers to cross-border trade and expand access to markets, finance, skills, jobs and enterprise for women, youth, migrants, displaced people and host communities.
Enabling Governance, Partnerships & Finance
Clarify institutional responsibilities, strengthen city coordination and connect a credible project pipeline with government programmes, development finance and private investment.
Programme Agenda
One day. A clear path
to commitments.
A focused working day combining political leadership, technical exchange, project review and collective decision-making.
Tuesday · 25 August 2026
Hargeisa, Somaliland · EAT08:3009:00
ArrivalDelegate arrival & networking
Welcome, accreditation and informal introductions.
09:0009:30
OpeningFrom connectivity to city prosperity
Host and co-convener remarks confirm the decisions expected and the role of cities in the corridor.
Host city, co-conveners and corridor leaders09:3010:00
FramingFrom the Second Dialogue to Global Gateway
A review of previous commitments, implementation gaps, the three-pillar framework and the wider strategic-corridor opportunity.
10:0010:45
Evidence sessionWomen in migration corridors
Evidence and practical experience on women’s economic inclusion, services, governance and advocacy in rapidly urbanising corridor cities.
10:4511:35
Pillar sessionPlanned urban growth & investment-ready cities
Urban expansion planning, city examples and priority projects for orderly and climate-resilient growth.
City planners, universities and municipal leaders11:3511:55
BreakCoffee & tea break
Refreshments and informal exchange.
11:5513:05
Pillar sessionTrade facilitation & inclusive corridor economies
Practical reforms and investments to lower trade costs and expand jobs and enterprise for women, youth, migrants and host communities.
13:0514:00
LunchNetworking lunch
Connections across cities, institutions and investment partners.
14:0014:55
Pillar sessionGovernance, partnerships & finance
A high-level discussion on enabling institutions, project preparation, public–private participation and financing pathways.
14:5515:15
Project postersCoffee break & project preview
An introduction to selected city investment projects ahead of the clinic.
15:1516:15
Investment clinicCity investment showcase
Selected cities pitch priority projects and receive focused technical and financing feedback from government, partners and investors.
16:1516:55
Action labAgreeing the corridor delivery framework
Confirm the project pipeline, urban-expansion work programme, Inclusion Compact, institutional owners and 12–18-month milestones.
16:5517:20
EndorsementJoint Outcome Statement
Adopt the Action and Investment Framework, coordination arrangements, monitoring scorecard and principal partner requests.
17:2017:30
ClosingFrom commitment to follow-through
Closing reflections and confirmation of immediate responsibilities and next steps.