Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 21, The construction of the Mieso-Dire Dawa Expressway, a key project within the Ethio-Djibouti Transport Corridor, was officially launched on Tuesday in Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia. The new expressway is expected to strengthen regional connectivity and support Ethiopia’s long-term development goals.

Dancers perform during the launching ceremony of the construction of the Mieso-Dire Dawa Expressway, in Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia, on Aug. 19, 2025. The construction of the Mieso-Dire Dawa Expressway, a major infrastructure project within the Ethio-Djibouti Transport Corridor, was launched on Tuesday.

At the launching ceremony, Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh emphasized the importance of modern infrastructure. He said: "For developing countries like Ethiopia, road infrastructure is essential for improving the living standards of citizens while driving economic growth. Therefore, the launch of the Mieso-Dire Dawa Expressway project today reflects the Ethiopian government's commitment to modernizing transportation." He added that over 90 percent of the country’s passenger and cargo movement currently relies on road networks, underlining the project’s strategic role.

The expressway will link the Oromia and Somali regions with the city of Dire Dawa, creating a faster and more efficient route that enhances social and economic interactions among communities. Covering 144 kilometers, the project will be implemented in two phases and is scheduled for completion within 48 months.

The project is jointly contracted by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Sichuan Road and Bridge Group. Chen Sichang, general manager of CCECC, highlighted its broader significance: "This expressway is not only a vital project to promote connectivity in East Africa and drive Ethiopia's economic and social development, but also a shining example of China-Ethiopia cooperation, joint development, and shared prosperity."

According to Chen, the project will prioritize local employment, with 75 percent of the workforce sourced from surrounding communities. A mentorship and training program will be launched to enable Ethiopian engineers to acquire advanced international engineering knowledge, supporting the development of a skilled local workforce in the transport sector.

Ethiopia has been consistently upgrading its road and transport networks in recent years. The Ethiopian Roads Administration stated that one of the key targets is to reduce travel time from major regional hubs and logistics centers to the port to just one day within the coming decade. The Mieso-Dire Dawa Expressway is considered central to achieving this goal, while also contributing to the efficiency of the Ethio-Djibouti Transport Corridor.

With active participation from both Ethiopian and Chinese partners, the project is expected to strengthen trade routes, improve logistics efficiency, and create long-term socioeconomic benefits. The Mieso-Dire Dawa Expressway thus stands as a critical development effort aimed at improving infrastructure and promoting regional integration.