ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia and Kenya have reaffirmed their commitment to deeper cross-border cooperation through a sweeping infrastructure programme aimed at transforming connectivity, trade, and economic integration in the Horn of Africa.
Meeting under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, senior officials from both countries endorsed a raft of joint initiatives under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP), which they hailed as a “transformative” effort to bridge the region’s infrastructure gaps and stimulate shared prosperity.
The two nations agreed to accelerate work on key projects, including the construction of two major bridges across the River Dawa at Rhamu and Suftu, the establishment of a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) and a Trade Facilitation Centre, and the completion of a cross-border fiber optic network to boost digital integration.
“These are not just physical structures,” the communiqué read, “but passages of hope that will connect underserved communities to healthcare, education, and markets.”
Kenya’s delegation was led by Cyrell Odede Wagunda, Principal Secretary in the National Treasury, while Ethiopia was represented by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide.
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu also attended the session.
The talks placed strong emphasis on aligning national priorities with regional blueprints such as IGAD’s Vision 2050 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to fast-track integration and unlock the region’s economic potential.
The proposed OSBP and trade hub are expected to significantly reduce border-crossing times and transport costs, making East African goods more competitive globally.
Also on the agenda was the revival of the River Dawa Basin Development Initiative.
The two sides agreed to work with IGAD to mobilise resources and develop shared water resources for the benefit of cross-border communities.
In a show of commitment to digital transformation, both governments pledged to finalise bilateral agreements on customs cooperation and legal frameworks for enhanced digital services, including the identification of “meet-me” points for optical fiber connections.
Wednesday’s talks marked a renewed diplomatic push to address long-standing infrastructural and trade bottlenecks across the Horn of Africa, with Ethiopia and Kenya positioning themselves as key drivers of regional integration.
