ADDIS ABABA: The Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) convened its 21st ministerial meeting alongside the African Development Bank’s 2024 annual meetings at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ahmed Shide, who co-chaired the event with Marie-Laure of the African Development Bank, the meeting focused on the performance of the initiative portfolio and the implementation of the Borderlands Roadmap. The discussion highlighted the need for tailored approaches to project implementation and emphasized local ownership and leadership to enhance regional cooperation. The assembly addressed economic disparities within the region, particularly in underserved borderland communities, stressing the necessity of consolidating resources and forming robust partnerships.

Finance Minister Shide acknowledged the critical contributions of his Kenyan counterpart, Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna, and praised the African Development Bank for orchestrating the HoAI meeting. Germany announced a 10 million euro grant to the Initiative, confirming it as part of a larger effort to replenish the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) and enhance the Initiative’s foundational work. BADEA, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, also announced its full-fledged membership with the HoAI, reaffirming the commitment of leaders and partners to the region’s development.

The Horn of Africa Initiative aims to build strong infrastructure, connect countries through regional economic integration, support human capital development, and enhance the region’s resilience, with support from development partners such as the World Bank, AfDB, EU, Germany, and the UK.