Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged Kenya and Ethiopia to deepen trade, tourism and economic cooperation, calling for stronger cross-border links that translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
Speaking during Kenya’s 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret on Tuesday, October 20, Abiy said the neighbouring countries should make it easier for farmers, businesses and citizens to benefit from their longstanding relationship.
“Geography made us neighbors, history made us brothers, our choices must make us partners in shared prosperity,” Abiy said.
The Ethiopian leader, who attended the national celebrations as the guest of honour, called for fewer barriers to trade and greater movement between the two countries, arguing that closer cooperation should extend beyond government agreements to benefit ordinary people.
He urged the two governments to strengthen opportunities for producers to access markets across the border and encourage citizens to travel, experience each other’s cultures and learn together.
“Our farmers and producers must be able to trade more easily across our borders. Let more of our people visit each other's countries, discover our cultures and learn together. More families must benefit from our friendship.”
The remarks build on existing bilateral cooperation in trade, infrastructure and energy. In February 2024, Kenya and Ethiopia signed seven memoranda of understanding covering areas including tourism, cultural development, energy, petroleum and public service capacity-building, according to the Kenyan presidency.
Abiy cited the electricity connection between the two countries as an example of their partnership in practice.
“We see it in the power line that joins Ethiopia to Kenya. Since 2022, it has carried clean power across our border. It brings light to homes and energy to industry,” he said.
The Kenya-Ethiopia electricity interconnector links the countries’ power systems through a high-voltage transmission line running from Sodo in Ethiopia to Suswa in Kenya. The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) identifies the project as a key component of regional electricity-market integration, creating opportunities for cross-border power trade.
Abiy also highlighted transport and digital financial services as areas where cooperation is already connecting the two countries. He referred to the road linking Mombasa and Hawassa and Safaricom’s presence in Ethiopia, including the use of M-Pesa for money transfers and payments.
The Prime Minister described Ethiopia’s approach to cooperation using the term medemer, an Amharic concept meaning synergy or combining strengths for a common purpose.
Beyond economic ties, Abiy used the national holiday to reflect on the sacrifices behind Kenya’s independence and the responsibility of the current generation to protect its gains.
He recalled the October 1952 arrest of Jomo Kenyatta and five fellow leaders during the colonial crackdown that became a defining moment in Kenya’s independence struggle. He compared the country’s fight for freedom with Ethiopia’s victory over Italian invading forces at the Battle of Adwa in 1896.
“Different struggle, one conviction: that our future is ours to shape. African freedom was not given; it was won by people who would not give up their dignity,” Abiy said.
He also urged young people to contribute to national development, noting that the responsibility of building a country extends beyond political leaders and those who fought for independence. Teachers, nurses, artists, athletes and job creators, he said, are also among the people whose service advances society.
Abiy drew a parallel between athletics and nation-building, pointing to the discipline, patience and collective support required for success. Kenya and Ethiopia have long competed against each other in international distance running, while their governments continue to pursue cooperation in areas of shared interest.
Concluding his address, the Ethiopian leader commended President William Ruto’s leadership and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to Kenya.
“And to the people of Kenya, Ethiopia stands before you, beside you. Our task is to make freedom count. Happy Mashujaa Day. Asanteni sana,” he said.
