East African nations Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia are set to enhance internet connectivity across the region through a new cross-border fibre-optic corridor.

The Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP), financed by the World Bank, will link northeastern Kenya to neighboring Ethiopia and Somalia via a 740-kilometer fibre-optic backbone. An additional 200 kilometers of metro and last-mile fibre will connect schools, hospitals, government offices and markets, improving access in underserved areas.

The initiative aims to provide faster and more reliable internet services to millions, helping close longstanding digital divides in the region. It also supports regional trade, education, and public service delivery.

Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, alongside the ICT Authority, launched early-market consultations for contractors and technology firms interested in the project. The consultations will conclude July 16, with sessions held in Nairobi and online.

For Ethiopia, the corridor offers an alternative route to its current reliance on the Djibouti fibre link, enhancing resilience and expanding digital infrastructure.

Somalia is also expected to benefit from reduced bandwidth costs and improved connectivity as the project advances.

The fibre corridor complements upgrades to the Isiolo-Mandera road, creating a multimodal transport and communications corridor.