Kenya-Ethiopia agree to build cross border infrastructures

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Republic of Kenya and the Federal Republic of Ethiopia have agreed to improve the cross-border infrastructure in a bid to smooth the movement of people, goods, and digital services with the clear view of strengthening the local economy.

During the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HOAGDP), the two countries insisted on bettering infrastructures across the border to ease the movements of people and goods while seeking to revive the economy.

Already, the two nations have agreed to support the construction of two bridges across the River Dawa (Rhamu and Suftu), as a passage of hope that will not only carry vehicles but also convey the aspiration of underserved communities to access healthcare, education, and markets.

“The main objectives are to enhance infrastructural connectivity, socio-economic development, trade facilitation, and cross-border development between Ethiopia and Kenya,” says the joint communique.

This, analysts say, is seen as a commitment towards operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which would boost seamless trade between Kenya and Ethiopia through the reduction of cross-border bureaucracies.

Subsequently, Kenya and Ethiopia will finalise the draft bilateral agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance on Customs matters and other enabling legal frameworks at the earliest opportunity.

The two agreed on the location for a one-stop border post at Rhamu, a trade facilitation centre at Suftu, access roads and bridges at Rhamu and Suftu, and optic fibre “meet me” points. Ethiopia and Kenya are competing economic giants in Africa.

The meeting featured senior government officials led by Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance of Ethiopia, and Cyrell Odede Wagunda, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Investment and Assets Management of the National Treasury of Kenya, the Addis Standard reports.

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