Ethiopian Business Review

𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘆𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗨𝗦𝗗𝟳𝟱𝟬𝗠 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸-𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

June 6, 2025 |#EBR_News

Ethiopia and Kenya reaffirmed their commitment today to the USD750 million Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP), a transformative initiative designed to improve regional infrastructure, enhance trade, and expand digital connectivity across border areas.

Gathering in Addis Ababa, top officials from both countries emphasized the strategic importance of the project. Ethiopia’s Finance Minister Ahmed Shide described the planned bridges at Suftu and Rhamu as “more than just infrastructure,” framing them as critical enablers of cross-border commerce, economic growth, and job creation. He also underscored the urgency of operationalizing a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) at Rhamu to streamline customs and improve trade flow between the two countries.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, John Mbadi, called the initiative “a vital mission” and praised the joint vision behind the HoAGDP. Funded by the World Bank and targeted for completion by June 2028, the project includes new transport links, trade facilitation centers, and a digital infrastructure backbone connecting remote areas.

Digital transformation was a key theme. Ahmed announced Ethiopia’s interest in extending high-capacity fiber optic infrastructure to border regions, potentially linking to Djibouti. “This digital backbone will unlock trade, strengthen public services, and improve regional integration,” he said.

Dr. Workineh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD, highlighted that only 23% of the Mandera Triangle currently enjoys reliable internet access. He emphasized the project’s role in supporting revenue collection, digital customs systems, and transparency in public administration.

Both governments agreed to conduct joint site visits, coordinate inspections during construction, and maintain quality control mechanisms. Kenya committed to financing the bridge works, while both countries will collaborate on trade infrastructure and border service improvements.

Beyond trade and technology, officials stressed the human impact. “The true beneficiaries are the communities living along the border—pastoralists, traders, youth, and families who will gain better access to services and markets,” Ahmed said. Dr. Gebeyehu added that improved connectivity could reduce the average distance to healthcare by 50%, significantly improving emergency response and service delivery.

#EthiopiaNews #EthioKenyaRelations #RegionalEconomy #EastAfrica

𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗧𝗕 𝟮 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿

June 5, 2025 |#EBR_News

The Council of Ministers, in its 47th regular session, has pushed forward a draft federal budget nearing ETB 2 trillion for the 2025/2026 Ethiopian fiscal year to the House of People’s Representatives for deliberation.

The proposed budget, Ethiopia’s largest to date, is designed to advance the goals of the Ten-Year Development Plan, enhance national security, increase productivity, and support displaced populations. It also aligns with the 2026–2030 Medium-Term Macroeconomic and Fiscal Framework and allocates significant resources to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The draft budget includes provisions for recurrent and capital expenditures, regional support, and strategic development initiatives. The Council has recommended that the House consider additional resources during its review.

In addition, the Council forwarded a draft startup proclamation aimed at building a strong legal and institutional foundation for Ethiopia’s startup ecosystem. The proposed legislation seeks to address financing gaps and enable tech-driven innovation across sectors.