East Africa City Corridor Dialogue brings together mayors, ministers and regional officials to strengthen urban connectivity and unlock opportunities for women and youth
Republic of Somaliland’s capital Hargeisa hosted the Third East Africa City Corridor (EACC) Dialogue, bringing together city leaders, government officials, international organizations and other stakeholders to discuss how East African cities can work together to drive economic growth, attract investment and create jobs.
Held under the theme “From Dialogue to Delivery: Planned Growth, Investment-ready Cities, and Jobs for Women and Youth,” the third edition of the dialogue focused on turning regional discussions into practical action, with particular emphasis on planned urban development, investment opportunities and sustainable employment.
The forum highlighted the growing importance of interconnected cities as engines of economic development across the region. Participants discussed how better planning, stronger links between cities and investment-friendly policies can help cities respond to rapid population growth while creating new economic opportunities.
A key focus of the dialogue was employment for women and young people, with participants emphasizing the need for sustainable job opportunities as East African cities continue to expand.
The gathering brought together the mayors of Hargeisa, Berbera and Jigjiga, alongside the Mayor of Wajaale District, ministers and other senior officials.
Officials from the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia also participated, highlighting the cross-border nature of the dialogue and the importance of cooperation among cities and communities across the region.
Representatives from international organizations and other stakeholders joined the discussions, adding perspectives on urban development, investment and regional cooperation.
The EACC Dialogue comes at a time when cities across the Horn of Africa are facing rapid urbanization, increasing demand for infrastructure and services, and a growing need to attract private investment.
For Hargeisa and other cities participating in the corridor, the challenge is increasingly about moving beyond dialogue toward concrete projects, stronger economic links and opportunities that directly benefit their rapidly growing populations.
With its emphasis on “From Dialogue to Delivery,” the Hargeisa meeting seeks to put implementation at the center of the regional urban-development agenda—linking better-planned cities with investment, jobs and stronger regional connectivity.