International reports published by several global media outlets, including Ethiopian Daily News, Feta Daily World, and AfriNews 24, state that a major project to construct a modern electric railway connecting Ethiopia to Somaliland’s Port of Berbera is expected to be officially launched soon. According to the reports, the project is estimated to cost US$3.47 billion and is described as part of broader efforts to strengthen transport connectivity, trade, and economic infrastructure across the Horn of Africa.
The international reports, cited by Somaliland’s Dawan newspaper, also state that the project will be jointly financed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ethiopia. Its objective is to enhance regional connectivity, facilitate trade, improve transportation and logistics, and provide Ethiopia with faster access to the Port of Berbera. AfriNews 24 reported: “The UAE is providing financial investment and technical expertise to implement these major projects, as it is one of the largest investors in the Horn of Africa.”
According to the report, the second-phase expansion of the Port of Berbera, the strengthening of the Berbera Economic Zone, and the development of the Berbera Corridor reflect growing confidence in the port and the vision of transforming it into a world-class trade and logistics hub. It also states that once the railway project is completed, Berbera is expected to have modern infrastructure capable of serving as a regional center for port services, industry, and transportation, significantly facilitating trade and the movement of goods between Ethiopia and international markets.
AfriNews 24 further stated: “In recent years, the Port of Berbera has become one of the most significant infrastructure development projects in the Horn of Africa. Plans are now underway to expand the port’s second phase while strengthening connections with the Berbera Economic Zone, the Berbera Corridor, and a railway extending into Ethiopia.”
The report also described the project as a historic milestone that the people of Somaliland would take pride in. It added that the continued development of the port and its associated infrastructure would boost regional trade, attract new investment, and further strengthen Berbera’s role as a key commercial gateway in the Horn of Africa. The report further noted: “The Ethiopian government is continuing to strengthen its strategic partnership with Somaliland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to advance trade infrastructure across the Horn of Africa.”
Meanwhile, a report published by Ethiopian Daily News stated that construction of a modern electric railway linking Ethiopia with the Port of Berbera in the Republic of Somaliland is expected to begin soon. According to the report, the project is valued at approximately US$3.47 billion, with financing to be shared between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.
The report added that the railway would form part of wider regional initiatives aimed at improving transportation and trade connectivity while providing Ethiopia with an additional route to access the Port of Berbera. It further stated that the project is expected to stimulate trade, transportation, and economic integration throughout the Horn of Africa. The report concluded with the Amharic slogan: “የኢትዮጵያ የድል ዘመን ከፊታችን ነው!!”, meaning: “Ethiopia’s era of victory lies ahead.”
Similarly, Feta Daily World reported: “Construction of a modern high-speed electric railway linking Ethiopia with the Port of Berbera in the Republic of Somaliland will begin soon. The total construction cost is estimated at US$3.47 billion, with funding to be provided by Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.”