Horn economic integration vision pushes shared market agenda

Friday, 21st November 2025

by inAfrika Newsroom

Horn economic integration featured strongly in new speeches by Ethiopian officials this week. Addis Ababa set out a vision for closer trade and infrastructure links across the region. The foreign ministry said it wants the Horn to operate as a connected geo-economic zone, not a patchwork of isolated markets.

Horn economic integration plans and regional action

In a briefing to diplomats and business leaders, the foreign minister listed priority corridors that link landlocked states to Red Sea ports. The plan covers railways, highways and power lines along shared routes. It also calls for simpler border procedures, more formal cross-border trade in food and basic goods and a gradual move toward looser internal trade barriers.

Regional bodies such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the Horn of Africa Initiative are supporting feasibility studies and early finance talks. Officials admitted that conflicts, political tensions and rival external interests still complicate projects. They argued, however, that shared infrastructure can create incentives for cooperation and more disciplined use of limited public funds. Development partners at the meeting backed a clearer, region-wide investment map.

Why it matters for Africa

A workable Horn economic integration agenda could change how East and North-East Africa connect with the rest of the continent and the world. Well-planned corridors lower transport and energy costs for traders moving grain, fuel and manufactured goods between inland centres and coastal ports. That helps small firms compete in AfCFTA markets and supports new jobs in logistics, processing and light industry. Coordinated planning also reduces wasteful duplication of big roads and power plants, which protects public finances and scarce concessional loans. For landlocked states, reliable port access under shared rules improves food security and export prospects. A stronger, more coherent Horn bloc would give Africa another growth pole and a louder voice in talks with external partners.