The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved $76.37 million in additional financing for the Road Infrastructure Programme in Somalia, a central element of the Horn of Africa corridor project connecting Somalia, Djibouti, and Ethiopia. The funding package includes $49.16 million from the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional lending window, and $27.21 million from the Transition Support Facility, which targets countries facing fragility and conflict.
The Programme is designed to enhance transport connectivity within Somalia and with its neighbouring countries, aiming to stimulate cross-border trade, strengthen regional integration, and reduce fragility in the region. The additional financing follows an expansion of the project’s initial scope, evolving from minimal interventions to full road upgrades. The upgrades now incorporate improved designs and new components such as bridges, additional road sections, trade facilitation measures, and social infrastructure to maximize benefits for local communities.
The financing will support the upgrade of two strategic road sections: a 15-kilometre stretch connecting Zeila to Asha Addo in Somaliland and a 22-kilometre section from Beled Weyne to Kalabeyr in Hirshabelle State. Beyond road construction, the project includes targeted community development and resilience initiatives, including the construction of boreholes, refurbishment of classrooms for skills development, creation of markets and storage facilities, and rehabilitation of health centres.
To boost economic activity, the Programme will facilitate cross-border trade, support small traders, and strengthen institutional capacities in customs and trade management. Key measures include establishing a simplified trade regime between Somalia and Ethiopia for small-scale operators and expanding Somalia’s automated customs system to streamline and modernize customs procedures.
