The Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI), launched in October 2019, aims at improving regional integration in five HoA countries (Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia) with initial support from three Development Partners (AfDB, EU and WB). The Initiative, which is underpinned by a proposed investment programme of about US$15 billion. It has been operational for a year, following the validation in February and March 2020 of its four Pillars and broad targeted areas – summarised in evolving (not yet finalised) “project profiles.” In parallel, the EU-funded support to the HoA Secretariat became operational in February 2020, and began to provide the support to the rotating Chair in Djibouti. The objectives of this note are to: (i) provide a retrospective synopsis of key activities and achievements during the past year; and (ii) highlight opportunities and challenges, and perspectives over the short- to medium-term.