HARGEISA, Somaliland — (Horn post) Somaliland Vice President and Acting President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi on Wednesday attended the official signing ceremony for the construction contract of the strategic Lowyacado-Borama highway project, a major infrastructure initiative expected to transform transport, trade and regional connectivity in western Somaliland.
The signing ceremony, held at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa, marked the formal launch of the first phase of the road project linking Lowyacado, Saylac and Borama across the Awdal and Salel regions.
Speaking at the event, the vice president described the highway as a strategically important national project that will strengthen economic growth, improve trade and transport, enhance security, and accelerate social development across western Somaliland.
Acting President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi said the road would also deepen commercial integration and economic cooperation between Somaliland and neighboring countries, including Djibouti and Ethiopia, potentially boosting long-term regional development and cross-border mobility.
Acting President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi praised the Ministry of Transport and Roads Development, the Somaliland Roads Development Agency, and technical experts involved in securing the agreement. He also urged the companies awarded the contract to fulfill their responsibilities professionally and efficiently.
Somaliland Transport and Roads Development Minister Osman Afgab Noor said the 256-kilometer highway would be built to international standards at a cost of approximately $30 million.
He described the Lowyacado-Saylac-Borama corridor as a critical transport route for the movement of people and goods, adding that the project would significantly improve connectivity between coastal communities and inland regions while stimulating economic growth.
“This road is essential for regional mobility and economic development,” the minister said during the contract signing ceremony.
Interior Minister Abdalle Mohamed Arab said the Awdal-Salel road corridor is among the most difficult transport routes in Somaliland, citing harsh terrain, sand-covered stretches and mountainous sections that have created major challenges for residents and traders.
The minister revealed that during seven official visits to the two regions over the past four months, he had replaced two new vehicles because of damage caused by the poor road conditions.
He called on local communities in Awdal and Salel to support the construction project, emphasizing that the road is vital for public safety, development and national stability.
The Somaliland Roads Development Agency said the project is the largest infrastructure initiative launched under the current “Unity and Action” administration.
Roads Agency Director Mohamed Farah Abdi said the highway would serve not only Somaliland but also regional trade routes connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti, creating new economic opportunities for communities along the corridor.
Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan said Somaliland continues to face major infrastructure challenges, particularly in accessing productive agricultural areas due to poor transport networks.
He noted that fertile regions producing fruits and vegetables remain isolated because of inadequate roads, forcing Somaliland to import goods that could otherwise be sourced locally.
The minister also expressed hope that future railway links connecting countries in the Horn of Africa would strengthen trade, regional integration and economic development.
Somaliland Youth and Sports Minister Ahmed Yasin Mohamed Farah described the road project as a major achievement for Somaliland citizens, especially residents in Lowyacado, Saylac and surrounding communities who have long struggled with transport difficulties and limited public services.
Meanwhile, Hirsi Ali Hassan, chairman of Somaliland’s ruling WADDANI party, said the Lowyacado-Borama highway is the third major long-distance road project launched by the government since taking office.
Hirsi emphasized that roads are a key pillar of economic infrastructure and stressed that sustainable peace remains essential for development and investment.
Deputy Environment and Climate Change Minister Samsam Salah urged contractors to protect wildlife, vegetation and grazing areas during construction and called for reforestation efforts once the road is completed.
Officials at the ceremony said the project is expected to reshape economic activity and improve living standards across Somaliland’s western regions while strengthening regional trade corridors in the Horn of Africa.
The project will be carried out by a Chinese construction company and is expected to significantly improve mobility, public services and economic opportunities for thousands of residents across western Somaliland.
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Prepared by:
Horn post staff
