Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
Ethiopia and Kenya Sign Cross-Border Infrastructure Agreement to Boost Trade
Ethiopia and Kenya have reached a bilateral agreement to develop key cross-border infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing trade and regional integration.
In a meeting held last week in Addis Ababa, officials from both countries announced joint plans to construct two bridges over the Dawa River (at Ramu and Suftu) designed to improve connectivity and access to essential services in remote communities. The bridges are expected to support the movement of vehicles while also facilitating access to education, markets, and other public services for underserved populations.
The joint statement issued by the two governments emphasized that the projects are intended to “enhance infrastructure connectivity, socio-economic development, trade facilitation, and cross-border development between Ethiopia and Kenya,” according to reports from Kenyan media outlets.
These initiatives fall under the framework of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and are aligned with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By streamlining border procedures and reducing transport costs, the projects are expected to make regional goods more competitive in international markets and strengthen sustainable trade between the two countries.
Additionally, both governments committed to the swift implementation of the bilateral agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters, along with other supporting legal frameworks.
The agreement marks a significant step forward in fostering regional integration and economic growth in East Africa.
