By: Kassahun Chanie
In a pivotal gathering at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa today, leaders from the Horn of Africa convened to launch the transformative Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP). The initiative aims to enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth while addressing critical healthcare and security challenges in border communities.
Workneh Gebeyehu (PhD), Executive Secretary of IGAD, opened the high-level meeting by emphasizing the project's potential to convert geographical proximity into economic prosperity. "Our current realities demand urgent action," he stated, highlighting that cross-border trade between Kenya and Ethiopia stands at a mere $284 million annually, only 10% of its potential. "This disparity reflects systemic barriers that we must collectively address," he added.
The Mandera Triangle, often perceived as marginalized, has been identified as an area rich with untapped opportunities. Both the Ethiopian and Kenyan governments recognize that ongoing infrastructure investments will link Isiolo to Mandera, unlocking trade potential and strengthening their historical security partnership established in 1963. "Our complementary infrastructure investments will transform regional connectivity," Gebeyehu asserted.
A significant aspect of the project is the construction of a bridge across River Dawa, which will connect the communities of Rhamu and Suftu. This infrastructure is expected to halve healthcare access distances for border populations, potentially saving thousands of lives each year. "Improving healthcare access is crucial for the well-being of our communities," Workneh noted.
Digital transformation is also a critical focus area. Currently, only 23% of the Mandera Triangle has reliable internet access. However, a new fiber optic backbone extending from Isiolo through Mandera to Djibouti is projected to achieve 89% coverage by 2028. This improvement is expected to create 15,000 jobs in the digital economy and contribute an additional $340 million to the regional GDP.
Trade facilitation remains essential for maximizing economic potential. Currently, cargo trucks face an average border crossing time of 6.5 hours. The establishment of a One Stop Border Post at Rhamu aims to reduce this time to under 45 minutes, cutting transport costs by 32% and improving regional competitiveness by 18% in international markets.
Addressing security challenges was another key topic during the meeting. Research from CEWARN indicates that 67% of pastoral conflicts arise from resource competition. The IGAD Borderlands Initiative seeks to transform these conflicts into cooperative frameworks through coordinated water and grazing management.
As leaders concluded their discussions, there was a palpable sense of optimism about the future of the Horn of Africa. The HoAGDP represents a collective commitment to overcoming obstacles and fostering shared prosperity among neighboring countries.
With strong leadership and collaborative efforts, stakeholders believe that the vision for a connected and thriving Horn of Africa can be realized, benefiting millions across the region.