Both Ethiopia and Uganda have witnessed massive infrastructural development in recent years, transforming these two countries in the eyes of the world. Considered among the poorest countries in the world about a decade back, infrastructural development has led to the social well-being of citizens in Uganda and Ethiopia, as citizens of the two East African nations experience monumental growth in access to social amenities like good roads, hospitals, electricity, mobile networks, sanitation, and quality water.
In Ethiopia, projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), set to be completed in 2027 and produce 6,450 megawatts of electricity, will improve the standard of living for Ethiopians and neighbouring countries. On Uganda’s side, the government’s expansion of mobile networks across the country through internet access and ICT education has facilitated easier and faster communication between people and businesses.
One impressive transportation network project, the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor—a web of roads, ports, and railways—connects countries within the East African region, including Ethiopia and Uganda. This has eased the movement of citizens and enhanced trade across both countries and beyond, fostering regional cooperation and integration.
Infrastructure development has also led to urban expansion and rural development in both countries. The electric railway project, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Addis Ababa, has reduced traffic on roads and spurred the growth of satellite settlements on the outskirts of the city. Similarly, the highway linking Kampala to Entebbe has had a positive impact.
With heavy investment in infrastructure, Ethiopia and Uganda have risen among the fastest-growing economies, with Ethiopia recording a 7.2% growth rate in 2023, according to the “Future is Africa” website. However, it is essential for these two countries to be more strategic in their infrastructural development moving forward so that the most pressing needs of citizens will be satisfied first.
