Kenya and Ethiopia have reaffirmed their dedication to advancing the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor (Lapsset) as a cornerstone of regional economic development. The pledge was made during the Kenya-Ethiopia Trade and Investment Forum in Addis Ababa, where leaders highlighted infrastructure as a key driver for regional connectivity.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the Lapsset initiative's role in unlocking East Africa's economic potential. The project encompasses railway networks, electricity infrastructure, road systems, and the Lamu Port, aiming to facilitate trade and movement across the region.
During the forum, the leaders underscored the importance of accelerating the Moyale Joint City and Economic Zone, a cross-border initiative under the 2012 Special Status Agreement (SSA). This framework has already enabled projects like the Moyale-Addis Ababa highway and the One-Stop Border Post at Moyale.
Kenyatta stated the Lapsset project remains a priority for Kenya, noting its potential to improve livelihoods and foster regional integration. Abiy echoed the sentiment, calling for faster implementation of the Moyale transformation to create jobs and boost economic activity.
The event, attended by over 400 business leaders from both nations, also focused on expanding private sector collaboration. Kenyatta invited Ethiopian investors to explore opportunities in Kenya's Big 4 Agenda, including agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Abiy highlighted Ethiopia's openness to Kenyan investments in energy, aviation, and agro-processing sectors.
