Ethiopia, Kenya deepen ties with One-Stop Border Post launch

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya on Wednesday inaugurated the Moyale One-Stop Border Post, or OSBP, as the Ethiopian premier began a two-day state visit to the neighboring country.

In addition, the two leaders also launched the 500-kilometer Hawassa-Hagere Mariam-Moyale Road, which is part of the Trans African Highway and a key segment of the Mombasa-Nairobi-Addis Ababa transport corridor.

Speaking near the frontier, Kenyatta encouraged traders from both countries to utilize the new infrastructure, especially the OSBP, to boost cross-border trade.

“With the completion of this border post, the two countries have demonstrated the political goodwill to address the challenges and impediments facing businesses from both sides,” Kenyatta said.

“In addition to facilitating trade between the two countries, the border post will also enhance mutual interactions among our people and create synergy and unity of purpose. We want to see people coming here to buy goods and taking them to other countries. That is the beginning of true partnership and true cooperation,” he added.

Kenyatta reiterated that Kenya attaches great importance to its partnership with the Ethiopian government in the roll-out of joint infrastructure projects, saying such initiatives are aimed at deepening the strong bilateral ties that exist between the two countries.

While addressing Moyale residents during the launch, Ahmed said the new Moyale OSBP will help expedite the movement of goods and people across the Kenya-Ethiopia border.

“This artificial border, in my opinion, will be dismantled with the new infrastructure. The new infrastructure will bring the two families together and tap the potential and opportunities of business and economy," he said.

“Just as in infrastructure, we will work on peace and security of this area, because peace is the foundation of everything if we aspire to transform the lives of these people.”

The Ethiopian leader added that it is important for Kenya and Ethiopia to continue working together on infrastructure and in maintenance of peace and security along the border region.

During Ahmed's state visit, the two leaders are expected to head to Kenya’s coastal Lamu County, where they will inspect the ongoing construction of the new Lamu Port. The facility is an anchor project of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport, or LAPSSET, corridor.