ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia and Kenya have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cross-border connectivity, trade facilitation, and digital integration at a high-level meeting held here under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP).
In his opening remarks, Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide emphasized the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations and highlighted ongoing efforts to translate diplomatic relations into practical development outcomes.
He underscored the importance of infrastructure projects such as the proposed bridges at Suftu and Rhamu, the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), and fiber optic connectivity as drivers of regional trade and socio-economic growth.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi, echoed this sentiment, noting that the HoAGDP is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing marginalization, boosting trade, and improving access to social services in border regions.
He stressed the need to finalize agreements on land acquisition and the adoption of a juxtaposed OSBP model.
IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu (PhD) called the project a milestone in turning geographical proximity into shared prosperity. He noted that trade between Kenya and Ethiopia stands at only 284 million USD annually, far below potential, and stressed the need for urgent action to improve infrastructure, digital access, and border management systems.
He highlighted that the River Dawa bridges and improved healthcare access could save lives, while the fiber optic expansion could create 15,000 digital jobs by 2028.
All three leaders praised the World Bank’s 750 million USD investment through IDA and reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating implementation before the project’s completion in December 2028.
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 6 JUNE 2025
