IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu, speaking at the High-Level Meeting on the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, affirmed that the initiative is more than just roads.

“It is a bold step toward regional equity, with investments in Mandera (Kenya), Suftu (Ethiopia), and Dollo Ado (Somalia) designed to boost inclusion and shared prosperity,” he stated.

Gebeyehu thanked the Ethiopian government, represented at the meeting by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide; the Kenyan National Treasury, with the participation of Principal Secretary Cyrell Odede; and key partner the World Bank (WB) for supporting this regional transformation.

The Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, supported by the World Bank and various development partners, seeks to improve connectivity, trade, and access to services in the region.

IGAD is actively involved in the initiative, focusing on enhancing regional equity and shared prosperity.

Its objectives include improving the movement of people and goods, providing digital and social services to communities at designated locations along sections of the Isiolo-Mandera Regional Trade Corridor, and building the capacity of selected transport and relationship institutions.

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