Abiy Ahmed Calls for Stronger Kenya-Ethiopia Trade Partnership

ELDORET, Kenya — Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called for stronger economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Kenya, urging both countries to deepen trade, strengthen business partnerships and make cross-border movement easier for their citizens.

Speaking during Kenya’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Abiy said closer economic ties between the two neighbouring countries could create shared prosperity and open up new opportunities for businesses and communities.

He emphasised that cooperation, rather than competition, would enable both nations to achieve greater economic progress.

“We rise as rivals. We build as partners. In Ethiopia, we call this spirit Madama. It means synergy,” Abiy said.

Energy and Infrastructure Driving Cooperation

The Ethiopian leader highlighted ongoing cooperation in clean energy and transport infrastructure as examples of the growing relationship between the two countries.

He noted that since 2022, electricity cooperation has helped deliver power across the Kenya-Ethiopia border, supporting households and industrial development.

Abiy also pointed to the road connection between Mombasa and Hawassa as an example of how regional infrastructure can strengthen trade and connect businesses across borders.

He said the partnership between the two countries was increasingly being driven by private-sector activity, with businesses playing a central role in expanding economic opportunities.

Safaricom and M-Pesa Boost Cross-Border Business

Abiy praised Safaricom for its contribution to strengthening commercial links between Kenya and Ethiopia, particularly through telecommunications and digital financial services.

“Today, Safaricom connects millions of Ethiopians and M-Pesa helps people send money and make payments,” he said.

The remarks highlighted the potential of digital connectivity and mobile money services to simplify transactions, support businesses and improve access to financial services.

As economic ties deepen, such services could help entrepreneurs and traders conduct business more efficiently across the two markets.

Call for Easier Cross-Border Trade

The Ethiopian Prime Minister urged President William Ruto to sustain the partnership, with a stronger focus on business-led growth and opportunities for ordinary citizens.

Abiy called for farmers and producers in both countries to face fewer barriers when trading across their shared border.

“Our farmers and producers must be able to trade more easily across our borders. Let more of our people visit each other's countries, discover our cultures, and learn together,” he said.

His remarks underscored the importance of improving trade access while encouraging tourism, cultural exchange and cooperation between communities.

A Shared Vision for Regional Prosperity

Abiy said stronger economic ties between Kenya and Ethiopia could benefit more families by expanding business opportunities, supporting producers and strengthening regional integration.

He also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to standing with Kenya, telling Kenyans that his country would continue to support them.

The call comes amid broader efforts across East Africa to improve regional connectivity and expand trade between neighbouring economies. Stronger cooperation in infrastructure, energy, digital services and the movement of goods could help businesses reach wider markets and create additional opportunities for employment and investment.

Abiy’s message in Eldoret was clear: Kenya and Ethiopia can achieve more by building their economies together, with trade and business serving as key drivers of shared prosperity.