Second East Africa City Corridor Dialogue

The East Africa City Corridor is a strategic initiative to harness the economic and migration dynamics of the 940 km trade route that stretches from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to the port of Berbera, Djibouti. Its development is transforming trade in the region, attracting infrastructure investments including modern roads, dry ports, and logistics hubs. 

Cities along the corridor are poised to become pivotal nodes in the regional trade networks. At the same time, they are key transit and destination points for labour migrants drawn by economic opportunities and forced migrants fleeing conflict, climate shocks, and economic hardship. 

This dual dynamic as both an economic and migration corridor presents unique challenges and opportunities for local governments and communities. The rapid pace of urbanisation, combined with gaps in planning and governance, has left cities along the EACC struggling to realise the benefits of the corridor’s developments.

With support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and facilitation by Cities Alliance and Jigjiga University, the EACC initiative aims to create sustainable, inclusive urban growth for corridor cities such as Berbera, Borama, Dire Dawa, Gabiley, Hargeisa, Jigjiga, Tog Wojale, and other small towns to ensure that economic growth benefits all residents.

The EACC initiative emphasises a Collaborating Systems of Cities approach, where secondary cities benefit from pooled resources, shared learning, and collective advocacy. By strengthening local governance structures, cities are better able to manage urban growth, integrate new arrivals into the social and economic fabric, and ensure that all residents can benefit from the economic opportunities created by the corridor.

The EACC Dialogue

A key component of the initiative is the EACC Dialogue, a regional coordination mechanism to build strategic partnerships and support sustainable development.  It acts as a platform for cities to partner and seek financing from public, private, or international sources. Cities have the opportunity to share knowledge, coordinate on cross-border challenges such as migration management, and advocate for their needs at regional forums.

The second EACC Dialogue will take place on 8 April 2025 in Addis Ababa, building on the momentum of the inaugural Dialogue in May 2024. It will bring together key urban stakeholders to explore the economic, social, and environmental significance of interconnected cities along the corridor. 

Participants include representatives from national ministries and municipalities in Ethiopia and Somalia, the European Union, the World Bank, UN-Habitat, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the governments of Germany and Italy. The Swiss Ambassador to Ethiopia, Tamara Mona, will represent Switzerland.

Through high-level discussions and practical exchanges, the Dialogue will highlight how cities can harness trade, logistics, and mobility to drive inclusive economic growth, improve migration management, and strengthen regional cooperation.

Expected outcomes include:

1. Strengthened regional collaboration and knowledge sharing. 
2. Enhanced capacity of cities to develop and implement localised action plans that will serve as blueprints for sustainable urban growth with a focus on inclusivity and climate resilience. 
3. Continued commitment to regular dialogues and collaborative efforts.

The EACC initiative is part of Cities Alliance's Resilient Systems of Secondary Cities and Migration Dynamics Programme funded by SDC.