THE ROUTES WE BUILT
Somali Trade Across East Africa and the Future of a Shared Market
PEOPLE CONNECT MARKETS. MARKETS BUILD OPPORTUNITY.
SOUTH SUDAN ETHIOPIA SOMALIA UGANDA KENYA RWANDA BURUNDI TANZANIA
TRADE INVESTMENT JOBS INTEGRATION A STRONGER SOMALIA A MORE PROSPEROUS EAST AFRICA
ANAS ALI DAHIR
THE ROUTES WE BUILT — Somali Trade Across East Africa and the Future of a Shared Market — ANAS ALI DAHIR
Routes Create Opportunities.
The Routes We Built tells the story of Somali trade across centuries and continents — from ancient Indian Ocean routes to today’s East African Community and the digital economy. It combines history, real data and practical insight to show how Somalia can turn its geography, people and markets into a stronger, more prosperous future.
This is more than a history book. It is a guide for decision-makers, traders, investors, students and every young Somali who wants to understand where we come from — and where we can go next.
WHAT MAKES THIS BOOK DIFFERENT?
A unique, evidence-based history of Somali trade from the coast to the global economy.
Real data, practical lessons and opportunities for business, investment and policy in the East African context.
A focus on people — traders, entrepreneurs and the next generation — with a clear roadmap for a stronger, more integrated Somalia.
“Understanding our trading past can help us build a stronger tomorrow.” — Anas Ali Dahir
ANAS ALI DAHIR MAPPM
Anas Ali Dahir is the Executive Director of the East Africa Association for Research and Development (DAD), a university lecturer, and a researcher of business and trade in East Africa. He works at the intersection of evidence, policy and practice, with a focus on regional development, institutional effectiveness and economic opportunity in Somalia and the wider region.
ISBN 978-9910-00-000-0
SOMALI ROUTES. REGIONAL MARKETS. A SHARED PROSPERITY.