The Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) Finance Ministers met in Washington D.C. on April 17, 2024, to discuss progress on energy access, trade integration, and resource mobilization. The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to expand energy access in the region, particularly in borderland areas, and to facilitate trade through the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Roadmap. Significant financial commitments have been secured for HoAI initiatives, and discussions continue to address regional project needs and funding gaps.
This influential gathering brought together finance ministers from the Horn of Africa region along with international development partners such as the World Bank, AfDB, EU, Germany, and the UK. The meeting, chaired by Ahmed Shide, Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance and current Chair of HOAI, along with Victoria Kwakwa, Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa at the World Bank, aimed to advance economic integration and resilience within the region.