@NorthernCoridor holds its 37th Council of Ministers Meeting #Kenya hosted the 37th Meeting of the Northern Corridor Council of Ministers on 11th July 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Harnessing Partnerships for a Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation Along the Northern Corridor.” The meeting was chaired by Hon. Marie Chantal Nijimbere, Minister for Trade, Transport, Industry and Tourism of the Republic of Burundi, who officially took over as Chairperson of the Council for the next two years. The Democratic Republic of Congo will serve as Vice Chair. The meeting brought together Ministers and senior officials responsible for transport and trade from the Republics of #Burundi , the #DRCongo , #Kenya , #Rwanda, #SouthSudan and #Uganda, alongside key regional institutions and development partners. The Council approved a budget of USD 4,548,926 and endorsed the Secretariat’s Annual Work Plan FY 2025/2026 aimed at enhancing corridor efficiency, trade facilitation, and infrastructure development. The Council directed the Secretariat to fast-track implementation of the Northern Corridor Green Freight Strategy 2030, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of freight transport and promoting climate-resilient infrastructure. Member States were commended for progress made in infrastructure projects and reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and fast-tracking the ratification and operationalization of Article 11 of the Northern Corridor Agreement, essential for efficient institutional governance and coordination. The Council confirmed the appointment of Dr. @DiarDeng as Executive Secretary and welcomed other new staff members from DRC, Kenya and Rwanda. It also paid tribute to retiring officers for their outstanding service. The Council acknowledged ongoing collaborations with development partners for funding and technical support to key initiatives, including the Transport Observatory, Review of the Infrastructure Master Plan, Transport Cost Analysis, and development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and bankable PPP projects. Hon. @davis_chirchir , Cabinet Secretary for @TransportKE, Republic of Kenya, and the host reiterated that the Port of Mombasa @Kenya_Ports remains a critical hub and Kenya is committed to continuous reforms to eliminate barriers to trade. “We must strengthen regional logistics to unlock our full trade potential,” he said. Hon. Marie Chantal Nijimbere, Minister @MinCommerce Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the Council of Ministers: “Despite persistent challenges, Member States have always demonstrated solidarity. I reaffirm Burundi’s commitment to supporting all Corridor initiatives and deepening regional cooperation.” Mr. Jean Marie Abolia Mopolo, on behalf of the DRC Vice Prime Minister for Transport: “The DRC remains committed to accelerating integration through major infrastructure investments and enhancing multimodal connectivity from Mombasa to Kisangani and beyond.” Hon. @afidele , PS at the @, representing the Minister of Infrastructure of the Republic of Rwanda: “The Government of Rwanda is committed to developing and implementing sustainable transport solutions such as promotion of public transport and non-motorised transport as well as introduction of electric mobility to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.” Hon. Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, Minister of Transport, Republic of South Sudan: “We are determined to create an enabling environment that supports the entire transport infrastructure of the Corridor. Let us strengthen our collaboration so we can move faster as a region.” Mr. Benon Kajuna, MD @RailwaysUganda representing the Minister @MoWT_Uganda and outgoing Chairperson, Council of Ministers: “We commend the Permanent Secretariat for achievements under the four thematic programmes. These have had far-reaching benefits across our Corridor region.”