Etihad Rail signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Ministry of Transport of Uganda and Kenya Railways Company to develop railway infrastructure in the two African countries.
The MoUs were signed as part of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, during an official visit in several African countries, including Uganda and Kenya, which aimed to explore opportunities for cooperation and establish partnerships across various development sectors, particularly economic, trade, investment, energy, and transport.
In Uganda, the agreement was signed by Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, and Shadi Malak, the CEO of Etihad Rail in the presence of Yoweri Museveni, the President of Uganda.
In Kenya, the MoU was signed by the CEO of Etihad Rail and Philip J. Mainga, the Managing Director of Kenya Railways, in the presence of William Samoei Ruto, the President of Kenya.
The signing of these agreements aims to strengthen frameworks for cooperation, transfer expertise, and exchange knowledge to enhance transport systems. These agreements are part of a series of MoUs the UAE has signed with several African countries, in line with its efforts to deepen relations, foster growth, and achieve greater sustainable economic prosperity.
“These MoUs reflect the UAE’s dedication to fostering long-term partnerships with African countries to advance sustainable transport infrastructure as a catalyst for economic transformation and regional integration across East Africa. We are honoured to partner with the governments of Uganda and Kenya to support their bold vision for railway development. Together, we will explore opportunities that deliver lasting value, enhance regional connectivity, and strengthen trade corridors, contributing to a more prosperous future for the region,” the CEO of Etihad Rail, said.
The MoU with Uganda focuses on enhancing the logistics capabilities of country’s railway network and supporting cross-border trade. By leveraging the UAE’s expertise in creating new opportunities for economic growth and regional connectivity, this partnership aims to modernize Uganda’s national railway network and promote regional trade.
Similarly, the MoU with Kenya emphasises technical cooperation, knowledge exchange, and conducting feasibility studies to renew Kenya’s national railway network. This partnership seeks to develop transport systems that strengthen regional integration and highlights the importance of international collaboration in achieving sustainable infrastructure solutions.
The signing of the agreements comes after the signing of MoUs between Etihad Rail and both the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Chad during a high-level ministerial meeting hosted by Etihad Rail in Abu Dhabi. These agreements aim at enhancing technical cooperation and knowledge exchange, including feasibility studies related to the development of future railway, logistics, and infrastructure projects.
This series of agreements highlights the UAE’s commitment to advancing sustainable transport systems and enhancing regional connectivity across Africa.
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