Fibre Linking Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia: Consultations for This Multi-Country Connection Currently Ongoing
The Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP) in Kenya is making significant strides, with a focus on enhancing regional connectivity and infrastructure. One of the key components of this project is the installation of a high-capacity fiber optic cable along the Isiolo-Mandera corridor.
The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy and the ICT Authority, is actively working on this aspect of the HoAGDP. The aim is to enhance digital connectivity and establish cross-border fiber connectivity to Ethiopia and Somalia.
To prepare for this ambitious project, the ICT Authority has recently conducted an Early Market Engagement (EME) process. This initiative was designed to consult with suppliers, contractors, and service providers in the ICT sector, gathering feedback and preparing for upcoming procurements related to the installation of backbone fiber optic infrastructure from Isiolo to Mandera.
In addition to the fiber optic cable installation, the HoAGDP also includes cross-border connectivity to Ethiopia and Somalia. The project will cover the installation of last-mile fibre optic cable in addition to the backbone fibre optic infrastructure.
Furthermore, the HoAGDP is a large-scale project running from 2025 to 2030, valued at approximately USD 6.5 billion. It includes infrastructural and digital projects to strengthen regional ties in the Horn of Africa.
The Government of Kenya's commitment to the HoAGDP is supported by the World Bank and IGAD. The project is expected to drive economic growth and regional integration through enhanced physical and digital infrastructure.
The ICT Authority's EME process is a crucial step in ensuring a transparent, competitive, and value-for-money procurement strategy. The eventual procurement aims to attract broad industry participation and foster innovation. The objectives of the EME are to inform the market, assess capacity and innovation, receive feedback, and support a procurement approach that aligns with the project's goals.
The HoAGDP also includes civil works and solar power installations to support network resilience. The project involves the supply and installation of networking equipment including routers, switches, and UPS systems.
The procurement process is expected to commence in the latter half of 2025, with the aim of boosting cross-border digital connectivity and contributing meaningfully to the region's digital transformation agenda.
The Government of Kenya, in collaboration with the ICT Authority, is focusing on technology and infrastructure as part of the HoAGDP, aiming to enhance digital connectivity and establish cross-border fiber connectivity to Ethiopia and Somalia. To achieve this, the ICT Authority has conducted an Early Market Engagement (EME) process with suppliers, contractors, and service providers in the ICT sector, preparing for the procurement of backbone fiber optic infrastructure from Isiolo to Mandera, and last-mile fiber optic cable.
