Ethiopia, COMESA Sign a 5.6 Mln Euro Agreement for Upgrading Border Posts

Addis Ababa , February 23/2021 (ENA) Ethiopia and COMESA have signed a 5.6 million Euro sub-delegation agreement to improve coordinated border management, trade and transport facilitation at the Moyale and Galafi border posts that links Ethiopia with Kenya and Djibouti, respectively.

The project, which is funded by the European Union under the COMESA Trade Facilitation Programme, will assist Ethiopia to upgrade the single window service system, to increase inter agency connectivity and to improve the connectivity of the two customs systems.

The sub-delegation agreement was signed by Trade and Industry State Minister, Mesganu Arga and Secretary General of COMESA, Chileshe Kapwepwe,

On the occasion, State Minister Mesganu appreciated the European Union for the support rendered, and he also thanked COMESA for the technical support rendered during the development of Ethiopia’s project.

“The support is timely as the Ethiopian government desires to build on the current trade facilitation effort that will enhance the efficiency and ultimately reduce the cost of doing business as Ethiopia grapples with the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

Secretary General of COMESA, Chileshe Kapwepwe on her part said it is envisaged the Government of Ethiopian will take ownership and lead in the implementation of the activities.

“We foresee increased collection of revenue through increased trade flows,” she projected.

COMESA is committed to ensure that all borders are assisted to become more efficient and operate smoothly to deepen regional trade, which will lead to enhanced regional integration, she pointed out.

Ambassador of the European Union to Zambia and Special Representative to COMESA, Jacek Jankowski acknowledged the development as a critical step towards seamless trade along corridors and at the Moyale and Galafi border posts.

“The sub-delegation agreement comes timely to boost trade flows within the Horn of Africa,”he noted.

The Ethiopian government will proceed with the implementation of the sub-delegation agreement, which includes managing contracts, supplies and services, while COMESA will provide technical guidance.

This is to ensure that implementation takes place in line with European Union procurement procedures, stipulated under the 11^th European Development Fund (EDF).

The funds will also support capacity building for stakeholders on improved border operations and the implementation of a border information awareness campaign on customs cooperation and trade facilitation instruments.