Ethiopia and Djibouti agreed on a common framework for operationalizing the one-stop border crossing of Galafi, located on one of the main trade corridors of the Horn of Africa. In particular, the mechanism should reduce transit times and simplify customs clearance procedures between the two countries.
The agreement was concluded following a two-day bilateral technical workshop in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, on 14 and 15 July 2026. The meeting brought together government and border management agencies from both countries and their development partners. Participants identified a roadmap outlining the legal, institutional and operational measures needed to operationalize the Galafi Single Border Post.
Located on the national road RN1 in Djibouti, following the A1 motorway in Ethiopia, Galafi is a central crossing point of the corridor between the port of Djibouti and the Ethiopian market. This axis alone accounts for over 95% of Ethiopia's international trade in volume, according to TradeMark Africa.
The establishment of the single-window border post should enable customs, immigration and other relevant administrations in both countries to coordinate their controls around a common customs clearance process. The aim is to limit duplication of procedures and reduce processing times for goods.
The project receives financial support from the European Union, via the French Development Agency (AFD), under the programme on regional economic integration in the Horn of Africa and the development of the Djibouti corridor.
Its implementation is ensured by TradeMark Africa with the Ethiopian and Djiboutian governments. The programme also provides for actions on integrated border management, digitisation of trade, in particular through electronic phytosanitary certification, as well as capacity building for border administrations and officials.
The next phase will be based on a joint capacity-building initiative aimed at harmonizing procedures, improving coordination between administrations and preparing officers for the operation of the system.
In particular, the authorities will be able to draw on the experience of the Moyale Single Window border crossing between Ethiopia and Kenya. According to an Overseas Development Institute study published in 2023, border crossings of this type in East Africa reduced crossing times from 62 per cent to 87 per cent.
