HARGEISA, Somaliland —(HornPost) The Third East Africa City Corridor Dialogue opens in Hargeisa, bringing Somaliland and Ethiopia together to discuss trade, investment, urban development and jobs.
The Third East Africa City Corridor (EACC) Dialogue has opened in Hargeisa, bringing together government officials, mayors and representatives from Somaliland and Ethiopia to discuss urban development, regional connectivity, trade, investment and job creation.
Held under the theme “From Dialogue to Delivery: Planned Growth, Investment-Ready Cities, and Jobs for Women and Youth,” the three-day dialogue focuses on turning regional connectivity plans into practical economic opportunities for cities and communities along the corridor.
The event brought together officials from Hargeisa, Berbera and Jigjiga, alongside Somaliland government ministers and representatives of development partners.
Somaliland Highlights Strategic Importance of the Corridor
Khadar Hussein Abdi, Somaliland’s Minister of the Presidency, said the meeting comes at a time when regional connectivity and economic cooperation are increasingly important.
“At a time of profound regional change, our responsibility is to turn strategic geography into connectivity, connectivity into economic opportunity, and opportunity into shared prosperity.”
In another statement highlighting the importance of the initiative, the minister said Somaliland welcomes the development of an East Africa city corridor that could contribute to regional security, stability and economic cooperation.
Hargeisa Mayor Links Berbera to Addis Ababa
Hargeisa Mayor Eng. Abdirisaaq Mohamed Farah (Wiiwaa) said the corridor could create a strategic connection between major cities in the region.
“The East Africa City Corridor connection starts from Berbera and ends in Addis Ababa.”
He also emphasized the importance of transforming regional connectivity into economic growth and stronger links between cities.
The mayor said the initiative should focus on developing cities along the corridor and creating opportunities for communities and businesses.
Berbera Sets Out Ambitious Development Vision
Berbera Mayor Mohamed Ibrahim Ismail highlighted the city’s development ambitions and its potential role in regional connectivity.
“We have a plan to make Berbera one of the most modern and developed cities in the Horn of Africa.”
Berbera’s location on the Gulf of Aden and its connection to regional trade routes give the city a potentially important role in the wider economic corridor linking Somaliland with Ethiopia and other markets in the region.
Somaliland Seeks Stronger Trade With Ethiopia
Abdirahman Hassan Nur, Somaliland’s Minister of Trade and Tourism, said strengthening commercial ties with Ethiopia is one of the priorities emerging from the dialogue.
“We want to strengthen trade between Somaliland and Ethiopia.”
The minister’s remarks underline the economic dimension of the EACC initiative, particularly the potential for improved movement of goods, investment and business cooperation between cities on both sides of the border.
Planning and Urban Development at the Center of Discussions
Kaltuun Sheikh Hassan Abdi, Somaliland’s Minister of National Planning, said the dialogue is focused on the development of cities and capitals.
The discussions are intended to examine how urban centers along the corridor can improve planning, infrastructure and investment readiness while creating employment opportunities for local communities.
The theme of the dialogue places particular emphasis on women and youth employment, linking urban development with inclusive economic growth.
Media Highlighted as a Tool for Regional Connectivity
Somaliland’s Minister of Information also emphasized the role of public media in communicating the importance of the corridor to communities.
The minister noted that Somaliland’s national television and Radio Hargeisa could help explain the significance of the road and connectivity initiative to communities, including areas where internet access remains limited.
The remarks highlight the importance of public awareness as regional infrastructure projects move from planning to implementation.
Somaliland Government Reaffirms Commitment to Corridors and Urban Planning
The Director General of the Ministry of Interior and Urban Development said the Somaliland government remains committed to developing regional corridors and strengthening urban planning.
The message reflects the broader objective of connecting infrastructure development with the growth of cities and economic activity along the corridor.
Jigjiga Calls for Stronger Hargeisa-Jigjiga Cooperation
Milgo Mohamed Sanbalooshe, Ethiopia’s Minister of Labor, Social Affairs and Family, described the meeting as an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Hargeisa and Jigjiga.
“I regard this meeting as a pivotal opportunity to consolidate cooperation between the two sides — Jigjiga and Hargeisa.”
The Mayor of Jigjiga, Shafi Ahmed Malin, also highlighted the economic potential of the corridor.
“We want to become an economic hub, serving as a critical connector in the corridor.”
He said stronger connectivity could support trade, investment and closer interaction between communities across the region.
From Dialogue to Delivery
The Third East Africa City Corridor Dialogue seeks to move beyond discussions toward practical implementation.
The central objective is to develop investment-ready cities, improve connectivity, strengthen trade and create jobs, particularly for women and young people.
The participation of Hargeisa, Berbera and Jigjiga places the three cities at the center of discussions about a wider regional economic corridor connecting Somaliland and Ethiopia.
The dialogue also reflects growing efforts to link roads, ports, cities, trade and investment into a more integrated regional economic system.
Key Takeaway
The EACC Dialogue in Hargeisa is positioning regional connectivity as more than an infrastructure project. Its organizers and participating officials are presenting the corridor as a platform for urban development, trade, investment, employment and cross-border economic cooperation.
Prepared by
HornPost staff
info@hornpost.com
