By Gabs Mia
Nairobi, Kenya:The Lamu Port South – Sudan Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor Program convened its second Joint Technical Committee (JTC) meeting, with a focus on assessing and validating a proposed Regional Coordination Mechanism (RCM). This crucial step, supported by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), aligns with decisions made at the third LAPSSET Ministerial Council Meeting held in Juba, South Sudan, in 2023.
The meeting aimed to streamline the development of the LAPSSET Corridor, a key infrastructure initiative designed to promote regional integration and economic growth. Representatives from the footprint countries of Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan, along with partners from the NEPAD/APRM Secretariat and the ECA, participated in the gathering.
In his opening statement, Mr. Stephen Ikua, Director General of the LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority, Kenya, underscored the importance of shared commitment to the successful implementation of the LAPSSET Corridor. He highlighted the benefits of establishing a regional coordination framework and streamlining the financing approach for cross-border components of the programme.
Mr. Yalew Tesfaye, Lead Executive Officer for Logistics Administration from the Ethiopian Maritime Authority (EMA) underscored that Ethiopia’s recent successful shipment of bulk cargo through the Port of Lamu was a tangible example of the corridor’s potential. He acknowledged that, as a landlocked country, the LAPSSET corridor offers Ethiopia an opportunity to ensure sustainable access to multiple Seaports to support its growing economy and population.
Lado Tombe, Director General for Road and Safety Authority of South Sudan highlighted that the LAPSSET Corridor Program is one of the top priorities for South Sudan. He said that the World Bank had agreed to fund the engineering design and construction of the LAPSSET road linking Nadapal and Juba, marking a significant milestone for the project.
Mr. Samori Okwiya, Chief Executive Officer, NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat, commended the member states and stakeholders for the progress in the development of the LAPSSET Corridor. He reaffirmed NEPAD/APRM’s commitment to support the LAPSSET Corridor Program.
Mr. Stephen Karingi, Director of the Regional Integration and Trade Division of the UN ECA reiterated the importance of the LAPSSET Corridor in enhancing regional connectivity, integration, and trade and contributing to the achievement of SDGs and the AU Agenda 2063.
He acknowledged the tangible progress in implementing the Juba Ministerial Commitments that call on LAPSSET member states to integrate corridor projects into their national development plans. He reaffirmed the ECA’s continued support towards strengthened collaborations among the three member states.
The meeting deliberated on the options for establishing the RCM and a key outcome was consensus on the preferred option for the RCM including its governance structures. This paves the way for developing the legal framework, which will be presented at the next JTC meeting and subsequently to the 4th Ministerial Council for adoption.
The JTC extended its appreciation to the ECA for the continued support to the LAPSSET Programme and the facilitation of the development and validation processes of the RCM frameworks.
