ADB Provides 184 Million USD to Support Adama–Awash Expressway Phase II

Addis Ababa, December 10, 2025 — Ethiopia and the African Development Bank (AfDB) today signed a 184 million USD Grant Agreement to support the Ethiopia–Djibouti–South Sudan Transport Corridor Project – Phase II.

The financing will enable the construction of a 67-kilometer expressway from Melka Jilo to Awash, a critical missing link along the Addis Ababa–Djibouti corridor.

This route handles more than 90 percent of Ethiopia’s maritime trade, making it indispensable for national logistics, regional connectivity, and economic integration across the Horn of Africa.

During the signing ceremony, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, emphasized that the project is aligned with the Horn of Africa Initiative and reflects Ethiopia’s strong commitment to regional stability, cooperation, and deeper integration.

 

 

Beyond road infrastructure, the project includes trade facilitation measures, skills development for youth and women, and community-focused initiatives designed to ensure long-term, inclusive benefits.

The Agreement was signed by Ahmed Shide and Dr. Alex Mubiru, Director General for East Africa at the African Development Bank.

The signing follows a productive meeting between Minister Ahmed Shide and Dr. Mubiru, who is on his first official visit to Ethiopia.

Dr. Mubiru reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation across multiple areas, including budget support to help sustain Ethiopia’s reform agenda, financing for major infrastructure projects, notably the Ethiopian Airlines Bishoftu Mega Airport, and continued engagement across key social and economic sectors.