By: Ethio negari

Ethiopia has announced plans to launch a new international bus service connecting Addis Ababa with Hargeisa, Somaliland, and Djibouti in the coming months.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen regional connectivity and promote cross-border trade and tourism.

State Minister of Transport and Logistics, Bareo Hassan, recently met with the owner and management team of Abyssinia Luxury Coach, a Nairobi-based transportation company.

During the meeting, Mr. Bareo stated that the ministry aims to establish overland transport links between Kenya, Djibouti, and Somaliland within the current Ethiopian fiscal year.

According to the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the government will work closely with private sector operators to provide the service, emphasizing the importance of public–private partnerships.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also involved, working to finalize the necessary legal frameworks to facilitate cooperation between Ethiopia and the relevant countries.

An agreement has reportedly been reached to complete all required procedures through coordinated efforts.

Michael James, owner of Abyssinia Luxury Coach, expressed interest in operating passenger transport services between Nairobi and Addis Ababa.

He confirmed that the company has already begun assembling cross-country buses to support this route and is exploring potential partnerships with Ethiopia’s Public Service Transport Service.

It is worth noting that bus transport between Nairobi and Addis Ababa officially began last week, according to Abyssinia Luxury Coach.

However, at the time, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics denied the launch of the new service, clarifying that such an operation requires a formal cooperation agreement between Ethiopia and Kenya.

The ministry explained that key matters such as setting tariffs and addressing diplomatic considerations are still under discussion with the relevant government bodies.

This new planned Addis Ababa–Hargeisa–Djibouti route is expected to enhance regional integration, provide affordable travel options for passengers, and strengthen economic ties between the Horn of Africa countries once operational.