By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Ethiopia, 22 May 2026 Ethiopia’s Somali Region inaugurated the first phase of the Qabribayah–Mula road and launched phase two under a World Bank-supported programme to improve connectivity and trade in Fanfan zone.
The inauguration ceremony on Thursday was attended by Idris Muse Abdi, Minister of Roads of the Somali Regional State; Halimo Hassan, Minister of Women and Children Affairs; Abdirisaaq Sayid, Deputy Minister in the President’s Office; and other regional and local officials, according to the Somali Regional Roads Bureau.
The officials formally opened the first phase of the Qabribayax–Mula road project, known as Lot 1, which connects Mula district with the Qoraan settlement and extends for 25 kilometres.
They also laid the foundation stone for the second phase of the project, Lot 2, which will connect Qoraan and Humbuq in Mula district of Fafan Zone.
According to the Somali Regional Roads Bureau, the project is being implemented under the Rural Connectivity Access Programme (R-CAP), a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at improving transport links in Somali region.
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Regional authorities said the first phase was constructed at a cost of 91 million Ethiopian birr ($582,000). The second phase, which covers an additional 25 kilometres, is expected to cost more than 115 million Ethiopian birr ($735,000).
The Qaha Bridge linking Qabribayah and Buuladari districts was also inaugurated during the visit. Regional authorities said the bridge was constructed at a cost of 71 million birr ($455,000), and is expected to facilitate transport, trade and access to basic services
The road corridor serves communities that rely heavily on livestock production and local trade, key sectors of the economy in Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State.
Authorities said the improved transport links are expected to reduce travel times, strengthen links between rural and urban centres and improve access to markets, schools and health facilities.
According to the Somali Regional Roads Bureau, the projects are expected to significantly improve mobility and connectivity between the districts of Mula and Qabribayah and support broader efforts to expand infrastructure across the region.
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