In a significant stride toward deepening regional integration, Ethiopia and Kenya have announced a joint commitment to transform their shared border regions into vibrant zones of growth, connectivity, and cooperation.

The agreement, formalized in a Joint Communique following the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project dialogue under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), marks a new chapter in bilateral relations, placing cross-border development at the center of national and regional priorities.

Far from being peripheral spaces, the borderlands, particularly around the River Dawa, are now poised to become strategic corridors for trade, people-to-people interaction, and inclusive development. Both countries pledged to build two key bridges at Rhamu and Suftu, essential infrastructure meant to enhance access to markets, healthcare, and education for border communities.

The communique outlined a shared agenda that includes upgrading infrastructural linkages, improving socio-economic indicators, and creating smoother trade flows. A Trade Facilitation Center at Suftu and a One-Stop Border Post at Rhamu are set to reduce transportation costs and border-crossing delays, helping to operationalize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in practical terms.

A key highlight of the talks was the decision to resume discussions on the River Dawa Basin Development Initiatives. By jointly harnessing transboundary water resources, Ethiopia and Kenya aim to unlock shared economic and environmental benefits, reflecting a broader regional strategy to tackle resource-based challenges through dialogue and innovation.

The meeting, held in a spirit of mutual respect and shared purpose, reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, sustainable connectivity, and multilateral collaboration. Stakeholders hailed the agreement as a model for how African neighbors can work together to build inclusive prosperity from the border up.