Ethiopia's Somali Region Boosts Rural Connectivity with New Motorcycles

Ethiopia, 19 January 2026 - Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State administration has delivered 12 motorcycles to district authorities to support a rural connectivity project intended to increase access in remote areas. The Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure provided the vehicles under the Rural Roads Connectivity Project (ARCAP). The initiative focuses on building transport links to improve access to markets and social services across underserved communities. During a handover ceremony in Jigjiga, on Sunday, Somali Regional State Minister for Roads Idris Muse told local administrators to ensure proper management and protection of the vehicles. He also called on district leaders to take responsibility for the development activities being carried out in their respective areas. The motorcycles were funded by the World Bank and are designated for use in operational tasks where road construction is currently underway. The project falls under the wider Ethiopia Rural Connectivity for Food Security Programme. The national scheme is supported by a $300 million grant from the World Bank’s International Development Association. The broader program aims to assist more than 11 million rural residents by improving physical and digital access to services. Project planners expect that climate-resilient infrastructure and new digital platforms will lower transport expenses and strengthen food security in the region.