The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in collaboration with the government of Kenya, recently hosted the fourth Ministerial Council meeting of the LAPSSET Corridor program.
The theme of the meeting was “Unleashing Potential: The LAPSSET Corridor as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development, Seamless Connectivity, Regional Integration, and Trade.” The event took place in Lamu County, Kenya on 21-22 August 2024 and was attended by government officials, representatives from Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan, development partners, and business leaders.
The LAPSSET Corridor program in Eastern Africa promotes trade and cultural exchange, with Lamu playing a key role. The Joint Technical Committee (JTC plans to finalize a regional coordination mechanism by September to maximize corridor benefits in partner states.
Mr. Isati Mame, the Governor of Lamu, extended a warm welcome to government officials, delegates, stakeholders, and all participants in the region. He emphasized the LAPSSET Corridor project as a comprehensive infrastructure network, describing it as a bold and visionary initiative with the potential to transform the economic and social landscape of Eastern Africa. Mr. Mame emphasized inclusive, sustainable development, promoting environmental protection, community rights, and equitable growth.
On behalf of the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Director of Regional Integration and Trade Stephen Karingi reaffirmed our commitment to collaborating closely with national and regional partners to fully realize the benefits of the LAPSSET Corridor. This program is essential for achieving a connected Africa and has played a pivotal role in advancing the continent, particularly in addressing the unique challenges faced by landlocked developing countries.
During the discussion, Mr. Temesgen Yihunie Alamineh, Deputy Director of the Ethiopian Maritime Authority, highlighted the challenges within the transport and logistics sector in the region. He emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency and efficient logistics to streamline import and export trade processes. Mr. Alamineh also underscored the significance of road connectivity from Lamu to Ethiopia and stressed the need to harmonize access load issues and regulatory frameworks.
South Sudan’s Minister of Transport, Madut Biar Yel, discussed significant investments in the LAPSSET Corridor during a recent meeting. This includes projects like the Lamu Port, Moyali-Hawasha Road in Kenya, and Nadapal-Turkana Road in South Sudan. Minister Yel also noted progress in resolving border issues with Kenya and plans for collaboration on the Nadapal-Juba Road, along with upcoming projects in mineral exploration, oil and gas development, airports, railways, and waterways.
The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary of the Kenyan Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Mr. Davis Chirchir, acknowledged the achievements of the Kenya Ports Authority, particularly the completion and operationalization of the first three berths. He highlighted projects in the LAPSSET corridor, such as a hydroelectric dam, electric supply, agriculture programs, and broadband connectivity to improve services for people in Africa.
The Governor of Lamu, who now also serves as the Governor for South Sudan and Ethiopia, was commended for his dedication to the development of the corridor. The meeting aimed to expedite the region’s and continent’s potential by connecting the region and facilitating trade and movement of people. The next Ministerial Council meeting is scheduled to be hosted by Ethiopia.