Rebuilding collective prosperity across the horn of Africa

Djibouti's Finance Minister Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh recently highlighted the importance of regional connectivity and partnerships in addressing climate change and cross-border fragility in the Horn of Africa. Speaking to CNBC Africa's Kenneth Igbomor on the sidelines of the AfDB meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, Minister Dawaleh emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to overcome the numerous challenges faced by the region. From climate vulnerabilities to cross-border conflicts and ethnic tensions, the Horn of Africa is in urgent need of stability and collective prosperity. Minister Dawaleh stressed that economic development, regional integration, and enhanced connectivity are key to ensuring a more stable future for the region. Over $9 billion is currently being invested in various projects in the region, with an ambitious goal of reaching $15 billion. While many projects have been successful, some still face challenges due to the fragile nature of the area. Minister Dawaleh highlighted the commitment of government ministers and partners to address these issues and ensure efficient implementation of projects. Djibouti's top priority in this collective effort is the stability of the region. With significant investments in port infrastructure, logistics, railroads, and fiber optic networks, Djibouti aims to promote regional integration and support neighboring countries in the Horn of Africa. Minister Dawaleh also advocated for increased support to fragile states like Somalia and South Sudan, emphasizing the need for connectivity and mobility to combat terrorism and promote peace. In terms of partnerships, Germany recently announced a 10 million euro contribution to the multi-donor trust fund, further mobilizing resources for development projects in the region. The Arab Development Bank for Africa has also officially joined the initiative, signaling a growing momentum in support for the Horn of Africa. More countries, including the Netherlands and Japan, are considering joining the initiative, demonstrating increasing global interest in promoting stability and prosperity in the region. Overall, the Horn of Africa is at a pivotal moment, with collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships playing a crucial role in rebuilding collective prosperity and creating a more sustainable future for all nations in the region.