Abdullah bin Zayed Witnesses Signing of MoUs to Develop Railway Infrastructure in Uganda and Kenya

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Abdullah bin Zayed Witnesses Signing of MoUs to Develop Railway Infrastructure in Uganda and Kenya

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has witnessed the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Etihad Rail and the governments of Uganda and Kenya, marking a strategic step towards developing sustainable railway infrastructure across East Africa.

The agreements were signed during His Highness’s official visit to several African nations, aimed at fostering deeper cooperation in economic, trade, investment, energy, and transport sectors. Representing Uganda was the Ministry of Works and Transport, while Kenya was represented by the Kenya Railways Company.

In Uganda, the signing ceremony took place in the presence of President Yoweri Museveni. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, and General Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport. In Kenya, the agreement was signed in the presence of President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, with Philip J. Mainga, Managing Director of Kenya Railways, joining Shadi Malak for the official signing.

The MoUs aim to exchange technical expertise, enhance transport systems, and support the modernization of national railway infrastructure in both countries. These partnerships reflect the UAE’s broader commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with African nations and contributing to regional integration and sustainable development.

“These MoUs reflect the UAE’s dedication to fostering long-term partnerships with African nations to advance sustainable transport infrastructure as a catalyst for economic transformation and regional integration across East Africa,” said Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail. “We are honoured to collaborate with Uganda and Kenya to support their vision for railway development and to deliver lasting value through enhanced connectivity and trade corridors.”

The agreement with Uganda will focus on enhancing the country’s railway logistics capabilities and cross-border trade potential. Meanwhile, the Kenya MoU will concentrate on technical cooperation, feasibility studies, and renewing the national railway system.

These developments follow similar MoUs signed earlier this month between Etihad Rail and the Republics of South Sudan and Chad, during a ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi hosted in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

Kenya and Uganda are key economic players in East Africa, and their partnerships with Etihad Rail signify a commitment to modernizing infrastructure that promotes regional trade, sustainable growth, and enhanced cooperation.

Through these strategic initiatives, the UAE reinforces its position as a global leader in sustainable transport solutions and a reliable partner in Africa’s infrastructure transformation.