Ethiopia’s maiden ship MV Abbey docks in Lamu – Kenya News Agency

Lamu Port has received Ethiopia’s first maiden ship dubbed MV Abbey, which imported a 60,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer meant for Southern Ethiopia, in a move that signals the East African region’s openness towards using the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) corridor.

At hand to grace the reception, were two Ethiopian Cabinet Ministers; Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amante and his counterpart from the Transport docket, Dange Boru, who led a high level delegation from the Ethiopian Maritime Authority and the Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Department, to mark the maiden reception alongside Kenyan dignitaries.

Speaking during the reception, Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director (MD), Captain William Ruto, hailed the reception as a milestone event that proves the viability of the Lamu Port and the adjacent LAPSSET corridor.

He stated that the arrival is symbolic, regionally as it marks the significant strides that the Kenyan government has taken towards cementing a fruitful business partnership with Ethiopia.

“This moment marks not only a successful trade transaction, but also a significant step towards strengthening regional integration and fostering economic cooperation between our nations,” The KPA MD underscored.

Also speaking alongside the KPA MD, LAPSSET Director General, Simon Ikua, stated that the reception of MV Abby, further signals the government’s commitment towards regional integration, borne of trade, by developing a second commercial port (Lamu Port), to tap into the enormous economic potential posed, not only by the northern corridor, but also by the Southern Ethiopia.

He further reiterated the National government’s commitment towards improving areas within the LAPSSET corridor and expanding the road network to cover the northern corridor extensively.

Ethiopia’s Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amante, stated that the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transit Corridor, is a transformative project critical for Africa’s ambition to establish a continental free trade area, as it supports the free movement of goods, services and people across the borders.

“Ethiopia is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, given the size of its population, as the second most populous country in Africa. Therefore, it is a necessity to diversify our access to the seaports,” Amante said.

Ethiopia’s Transport and Logistics Minister, Dange Boru, noted that the expansion of the Lapsset corridor, will facilitate movement of goods, reduce transportation, as well as pose socioeconomic advantages for both Kenya and Ethiopia.

“Regional trade will greatly increase with the continued use of the LAPSSET corridor, as well as there being industrial growth, job creation and a general sense of improvement of livelihoods by those living along the LAPSSET corridor,” he noted.

Lamu County Governor, Issa Timamy, reiterated the County’s support towards the realization of the LAPSSET dream, which he stated will significantly improve the fortunes of those living in Lamu.

He stated that expectations are already rife among residents over the advantages presented by the success of the first commercial shipment being made through the Lamu Port, with continued interest among commercial investors increasing.

“We are aware of the interest being posed by investors, who have slowly come to the realization that the Lamu Port as well as the LAPSSET corridor is likely to pose advantages in terms of a faster turnaround of offloading and transport of goods not only to Ethiopia but also to the wider Kenyan and East African region,” he stated.

Lamu County Acting County Commissioner, Charles Kitheka, stated that the National government will continue to invest heavily towards making the LAPSSET corridor safe for investors and residents alike.

By Amenya Ochieng