PM Abiy Ahmed Calls for Easier Cross-Border Trade Between Ethiopia and Kenya

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged both Ethiopia and Kenya to reduce barriers to cross-border trade to better support farmers and businesses. During Kenya’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret, Abiy emphasized the need to expand economic cooperation beyond infrastructure, facilitating easier trade for local producers across the 860-kilometre border. This call follows Ethiopia's issuance of the Border Trade Directive No. 1144/2026 in June, which aims to formalize small-scale commercial exchanges. Simultaneously, Kenyan authorities are conducting a feasibility assessment for a potential second border crossing at Sololo-Dukale in Marsabit County to complement the existing Moyale route. While Moyale currently serves as the primary commercial link, the proposed crossing aims to improve market access for both nations, though no specific timeline or budget has been finalized for the project.