Lead (Dateline & Overview)
ADDIS ABABA, August 20, 2025 —
Construction has officially commenced on the Mieso–Dire Dawa Expressway, a major infrastructure project within Ethiopia’s Ethio–Djibouti Transport Corridor. The project was inaugurated in Dire Dawa on Tuesday, marking a significant step toward improving regional connectivity and modernizing transportation networks.
Project Scope & Strategic Importance
The expressway spans 144 km, with construction to be completed in two phases over 48 months under a joint contract by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Sichuan Road and Bridge Group.
Objectives & Design Impact
Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh emphasized during the ceremony that roads are “critical driving forces for socioeconomic development,” especially given that over 90% of goods and people move by road in Ethiopia.
The expressway will connect the Oromia and Somali regions to Dire Dawa, enhancing economic, social, and political integration between these areas.
Local Workforce & Skills Transfer
CCECC’s general manager, Chen Sichang, noted that 75% of the workers will be recruited locally. Moreover, a mentorship and training program led by Chinese engineers will help equip Ethiopian professionals with advanced international engineering skills.
Regional Connectivity & Development Goals
The Mieso–Dire Dawa Expressway forms a vital part of the Ethio–Djibouti Transport Corridor—a project essential to reducing travel times to ports and boosting economic activity. The Ethiopian Roads Administration highlighted its role in achieving the national goal of one-day travel from regional capitals to ports.
