Kenya and Ethiopia Deepen Digital Corridor Ties Under Horn of Africa Gateway Project
The initiative aims to improve trade efficiency, expand digital access, and support economic growth across participating countries.
Kenya and Ethiopia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional integration and digital connectivity under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP), following high-level bilateral engagements held in Addis Ababa.
The Kenyan delegation was led by John Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy, while the Ethiopian side was headed by Dhenge Boru. The meetings brought together key government agencies and regional stakeholders, highlighting a coordinated, cross-sector approach to advancing transport, trade, and digital infrastructure across the Horn of Africa.
The engagements focused on accelerating the development of a seamless regional corridor that integrates physical and digital infrastructure. Key institutions involved included transport, energy, revenue, and ICT agencies, alongside customs authorities and regional governments. Representation from Kenya’s Mandera County further underscored the local and cross-border significance of the initiative.
Kenya outlined ongoing investments in fibre optic and transport connectivity linking neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Djibouti. Under the HoAGDP framework, progress has been made on agreements covering bridge crossings at Malka Suftu and Malka Ladeni, the establishment of One-Stop Border Posts, enhanced customs cooperation, and plans to deploy nearly 1,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure.
These developments are expected to position Kenya as a strategic digital corridor hub, connecting the region to broader global markets via the Red Sea and beyond. The initiative aims to improve trade efficiency, expand digital access, and support economic growth across participating countries.
Both nations emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration, faster implementation of agreed projects, and delivering tangible socio-economic benefits. The HoAGDP is seen as a key driver in building a more connected, competitive, and digitally empowered Horn of Africa.
