Executive summary
The Corridor Trade Sustainability & Investment Promotion Organisation (COTSIO) is a collaborative initiative that brings together public authorities, private sector, regional organisations and development partners to make trade corridors in the Horn of Africa greener, smarter and more inclusive.
COTSIO focuses on the intersection of trade facilitation, digitalisation, green transition and community resilience. Working along key maritime and land corridors, it supports practical reforms, pilots and investments that reduce trade costs, cut emissions, strengthen governance and create decent jobs – particularly for women and young people.
Key facts
- Regional focus: Horn of Africa trade and transport corridors.
- Core mandate: sustainability, digitalisation and facilitation of cross-border trade.
- Partners: governments, regional organisations, port and customs authorities, private sector and UN agencies.
Work streams
- Digital trade and paperless systems.
- Green shipping and energy transition in ports and logistics.
- Trade facilitation, NTB reduction and regional integration support.
Mission, vision & values
Vision
Trade corridors in the Horn of Africa that are environmentally sustainable, digitally connected and inclusive – delivering shared prosperity for communities and businesses.
Mission
To promote and operationalise trade sustainability initiatives that link ports, borders and markets through green, digital and well-governed trade facilitation solutions.
Values
- Sustainability and resilience
- Transparency and partnership
- Local ownership and inclusion
- Evidence-based and results-focused action
Trade sustainability initiatives
- Capacity building on digital maritime and port infrastructure development.
- Promoting green shipping sustainability implementations.
- Promoting paperless cross-border trade with regional & UN partners.
- Localisation of international trade facilitation programs.
- Supporting green energy transition in port & transport infrastructure.
- Using digital economy tools to reduce NTBs.
- Climate change & SDG localisation.
- Supporting UN sustainability programs for a better future.
Strategic context
The Horn of Africa sits on critical maritime routes and regional trade corridors linking landlocked markets to global value chains. At the same time, the region faces climate vulnerability, high trade costs and institutional capacity gaps.
Core service lines
1. Corridor & port sustainability programs
- Green shipping and low-carbon logistics roadmaps.
- Energy transition in ports.
- Environmental & social safeguards integration.
2. Digital trade & paperless systems
- Electronic single windows.
- Digitalisation of customs & port processes.
- Cyber-resilience & interoperability support.
Geographic area & offices
Geographic area
Horn of Africa Region.
Offices
- Berbera
- Mogadishu
Contact & organisational details
- Organisation: COTSIO.
- Focus: Sustainable trade corridors.
- Email: info@cotsio.org