Kenya and Ethiopia are set to work jointly on cross-border construction projects that will strengthen bilateral trade. This was revealed at a meeting in Addis Ababa as part of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HOAGDP). Both countries agreed to ground-breaking initiatives to facilitate the flow of goods, citizens, and digital services over the Ethiopia-Kenya border.
Ethiopia and Kenya pledged to promote the construction of two bridges across the Dawa River (Rhamu and Suftu). These bridges will serve as a corridor of hope, transporting automobiles to the opposite side. It also reflects the hope of underserved populations to have access to healthcare, education, and markets. The primary goals are to improve infrastructure connectivity, socioeconomic development, and trade facilitation. In addition, the joint statement stated that it would support cross-border growth between Ethiopia and Kenya.
The Kenya-Ethiopia cross-border infrastructure project will also feature the Rhamu One-Stop Border Post (OSBP). The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad) meeting also included the Trade Facilitation Centre in Suftu. These actions are viewed as evidence of Igad’s determination to put the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) into action. Furthermore, it will promote seamless trade across Ethiopia and Kenya by shortening border-crossing times. It will also lower transportation costs and increase regional product competitiveness in international markets.
Both countries have committed to developing cross-border fibre optic connectivity, improving cross-border digital services, and increasing access to developing technology. The two countries agreed on the placement of a one-stop border post at Rhamu, a trade facilitation centre in Suftu, and access roads and bridges in both locations. Prominent government officials, including Ethiopia’s Finance Minister, Ahmed Shide and Cyrell Odede Wagunda the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Investments and Asset Management in Kenya’s National Treasury, attended this meeting.
