Opening the New Trade Corridor: The Lowyacaddo–Borama Highway

Gallaydh News Desk
May 14
3 min read

HARGEISA (May 13, 2026) — A historic new chapter in the development of Somaliland’s economic infrastructure has officially commenced. The Somaliland Roads Development Agency (RDA) recently signed a landmark contract for the construction of the highway connecting Lowyacaddo and Borama. This project, whose first phase covers the 30 KM stretch between the border town of Lowyacaddo and the ancient district of Saylac, represents a massive shift in national transport, trade, and regional connectivity.

The construction is a joint venture between Tianjin Tainer Construction Engineering Co., Ltd and ADCON Somaliland, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) at a cost of approximately $30 million for the initial phase. Once completed, the total length of the highway, estimated between 256 and 280 KM—will end centuries of isolation for the western regions and establish a vital new trade corridor between Somaliland and Djibouti.

Somaliland–Djibouti Trade Corridor: Lowyacaddo–Borama Highway

Breaking the Isolation of Somaliland’s Coast: Beyond Berbera

For decades, Somaliland’s maritime economy and coastal transport have relied almost exclusively on a single artery: the port city of Berbera and the road linking it to Tog-Wajaale (the Berbera Corridor). While this corridor is essential for national trade and Ethiopian transit, the lack of paved roads to other coastal cities has stunted the economic potential of the Awdal and Salal regions.

Saylac, a historical hub with immense potential for fishing, tourism, and maritime trade, has long struggled with dilapidated dirt and sand tracks. The severity of the infrastructure deficit was underscored by the Minister of Interior, Abdalle Mohamed Arab, who described the Awdal-Salal route as the worst he has seen in the country. The Minister revealed that in just the last four months, he had to replace two new vehicles due to the punishing terrain, a testament to the daily hardships faced by local citizens.

This new highway will bridge the gap between the coast and the fertile highland agricultural zones. As noted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, many highly productive agricultural areas remain isolated. Upon completion, western farmers will finally have a streamlined route to transport their produce to major urban markets and the Republic of Djibouti.

A Strategic Link: The Somaliland–Djibouti Trade Corridor

The Lowyacaddo–Borama road is not merely a local project; it is a strategic regional initiative. According to the development plan, the second phase will extend 12 KM from Saylac toward Asho Addo. Simultaneously, the Republic of Djibouti is constructing its portion of the road to meet at the Lowyacaddo border.

This synergy will create a sophisticated Trade Corridor facilitating the seamless movement of goods and people between the two nations. Minister of Transport, Osman Afgaab, emphasized that the road is being built to international standards, which will strengthen economic integration and position Somaliland as a logistics hub connecting Djibouti, Ethiopia, and the global market.

The Government’s Infrastructure "Trio": Three Major Projects

Political and economic analysts view this project as part of a broader master plan by the administration to create an interconnected national road network. Hirsi Ali Hassan, Chairman of the WADDANI party, noted that the Lowyacaddo–Borama highway is the third major long-distance road project launched during this administration’s tenure.

The three pillars of this infrastructure push include:

The Hargeisa–Baligubadle Road: A vital link connecting the capital to the southern border with Ethiopia, facilitating the trade of livestock and goods while boosting the economy of the Hawd region.
The Borama–Baki Road: Aimed at revitalizing the Awdal region, particularly the mineral and vegetable-rich highlands of Baki. This road ensures that perishable agricultural products reach Borama and Hargeisa markets before spoiling.
The Lowyacaddo–Borama Road: The final piece of the current western expansion, focusing on coastal integration and international trade.

Combined, these initiatives represent a shift from urban-centric development to an inclusive strategy that touches borders, coastlines, and rural heartlands.

Strict Regulations and Infrastructure Protection

To ensure the sustainability of this massive investment, the government has introduced rigorous laws regarding road safety and preservation. Minister Osman Afgaab issued a stern warning against illegal settlements and structures along the new route, stating, “No one is permitted to build within 100 meters of the new road.”

This directive is designed to prevent the common practice of erecting unauthorized kiosks and businesses immediately adjacent to new asphalt, which often leads to road congestion and a higher frequency of fatal accidents.

The Future of the Western Regions

The implementation of the Lowyacaddo–Saylac–Borama highway is more than a construction project; it is a lifeblood for the western regions, pumping economic energy into the national heartland. It promises to restore Saylac to its historical prominence, increase the agricultural output of Awdal, create jobs, and enhance national security through better accessibility.

However, as officials have stressed, development requires peace and stability. The communities along this corridor are urged to cooperate fully with the construction firms and the government to ensure this long-awaited dream is realized, enabling Somaliland to emerge as a commercial power in the Horn of Africa.