Welcome to the Tog Wajaale Urban Expansion Plan
The Tog Wajaale Urban Expansion Plan (2025-2055) is a strategic initiative under the Ethiopian Urban Expansion Initiative, aimed at guiding sustainable development in Tog Wajaale, a critical border city in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. Spanning 30 years, the plan addresses rapid population growth, infrastructure needs, and economic opportunities while preserving cultural heritage and promoting environmental sustainability.
Vision Statement
"To transform Tog Wajaale into a regional center for commerce, education, and culture by 2055, with a diversified economy including manufacturing, services, and sustainable industries, while integrating principles of green urbanism, renewable energy, and climate resilience."
Key Highlights
- Strategic Location: Leveraging border position for cross-border trade and regional integration
- Sustainable Growth: Climate-resilient planning with green infrastructure and renewable energy
- Inclusive Development: Affordable housing and equitable access to services for all residents
- Phased Implementation: Practical 30-year framework with clear milestones and deliverables
- Economic Transformation: Special Economic Zones and logistics hubs to drive job creation
About the Plan
Mission (General Objective)
To transform Tog Wajaale into a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive city by providing affordable housing, expanding infrastructure, fostering economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting eco-friendly, climate-resilient urban development for an enhanced quality of life.
Specific Objectives
- Accommodate population growth with affordable, inclusive housing and essential services like water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and electricity.
- Integrate sustainable practices such as green spaces, waste management, and energy efficiency for resilience against climate change.
- Stimulate economic development through job creation, industrial expansion, and cultural preservation.
- Develop efficient infrastructure and transportation networks to reduce congestion and promote eco-friendly mobility.
Strategic Goals
| Goal | Description |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Development | Build resilient, interconnected infrastructure to support urbanization and cross-border trade. |
| Economic Growth and Diversification | Position Tog Wajaale as a regional trade and innovation hub with Special Economic Zones and digital entrepreneurship. |
| Housing and Social Services | Ensure equitable access to quality housing and services through inclusionary zoning and community programs. |
| Environmental Sustainability | Integrate climate resilience with waste-to-energy plants and green certifications. |
| Social Inclusivity | Empower marginalized groups through participatory planning and inclusive governance. |
Legal and Institutional Framework
The Tog Wajaale Urban Expansion Plan is prepared in accordance with the Ethiopian Urban Planning Proclamation (No. 574/2008), Somali Regional State urban development regulations, and national urban development strategies. The plan supports Cities Alliance principles and results-based urban planning, and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
Project Team
The plan is implemented by a dedicated team of professionals from various disciplines, ensuring comprehensive expertise in urban planning, engineering, environment, and community engagement.
Mr. Shemshedin Hassen Yusuf
Mr. Mohammed Muhumed Ahmed
Mr. Mohammed Isse Muhumed
Mr. Abdiwasac Khaliif Muhumed
Ms. Ubax Siyad Sheikh
Team Structure & Responsibilities
The project team operates under the Tog Wajaale City Administration with support from the Somali Regional Urban Development Bureau. The team structure ensures comprehensive coverage of all technical aspects required for successful plan implementation:
- Project Management: Overall coordination, stakeholder engagement, and reporting
- Technical Planning: Urban design, zoning regulations, and spatial planning
- Engineering: Infrastructure design, specifications, and construction supervision
- Environmental Compliance: Impact assessments, monitoring, and sustainability standards
- Survey & GIS: Spatial data management, mapping, and land administration
- Administration: Documentation, logistics, and operational support
Maps and Visuals Gallery
Explore the comprehensive planning documents and spatial visualizations that guide the Tog Wajaale urban expansion process. Click on any image to view larger version.
Contour Analysis Map
Topographic elevation analysis
Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
3D terrain visualization
_AND_EXPANSION_BOUNDARY.png)
Built-Up & Expansion Boundary
Urban growth limits
Existing & Expansion Road Network
Transportation infrastructure planning
Location Map
Regional context and positioning
Detailed Road Network
Street hierarchy and connectivity
Current Road Network
Baseline transportation assessment
Integrated Road Network
Current and future road systems
Kebele Integration Map
Administrative boundary adjustments
Expansion Road Network
Future transportation corridors
Implementation Phases
30-year development timeline
Super Block Typology
Land use and zoning patterns
Undevelopable Land Analysis
Environmental constraints assessment
Development Scenarios
Growth pattern alternatives
Scenario Analysis 2
Comparative development options
Slope Analysis
Terrain gradient assessment
Map Development Process
All maps are developed using advanced GIS technology with field verification. The comprehensive mapping process includes:
- High-resolution satellite imagery acquisition and analysis
- Field surveys with GPS data collection and ground-truthing
- Topographic and hydrological analysis for drainage planning
- Community boundary verification and stakeholder consultation
- Technical validation by urban planning and engineering experts
- Multi-stakeholder review and final approval by city administration
Total Mapping Area: Approximately 4,500 hectares covering existing urban area and expansion zones
Data Sources: Ethiopian Geospatial Information Agency (EGIA), Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, field surveys (2024)
Implementation Phases
The expansion plan is structured into three 10-year phases, each with specific components and deliverables:
| Phase | Timeframe | Key Components | Estimated Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Foundation | 2025-2035 | Primary road network, drainage systems, water supply, land subdivision, basic community facilities | USD 85-100 million |
| Phase 2: Consolidation | 2035-2045 | Secondary infrastructure, housing development, commercial areas, public spaces, institutional facilities | USD 120-140 million |
| Phase 3: Maturation | 2045-2055 | Green network completion, urban amenities, technology integration, tourism development, full urbanization | USD 90-110 million |
Short-Term (2025–2030): Growth and Infrastructure Development
- Population and Land Use Assessment: Establish foundational understanding of growth trends.
- Infrastructure Expansion: Expand roads, utilities, and public services.
- Urban Growth Management: Ensure sustainable early-stage growth.
Mid-Term (2031–2045): Expansion and Economic Development
- Growth Management and Zoning: Optimize zoning for rapid growth.
- Infrastructure Scaling: Major projects to support over 300,000 residents.
- Sprawl Prevention: Promote sustainable patterns and conservation.
Long-Term (2046–2055): Development and Sustainability
- Comprehensive Planning: Plan for 554,700 residents with mixed-use areas.
- Infrastructure Overhaul: Advanced systems including wastewater recycling.
- Environmental Sustainability: Green building standards and urban forestry.
Interactive Plan Map
Explore the spatial plan, zoning, and strategic projects through the interactive map below. Use the layer control () in the top-right to toggle different planning layers. Click on any zone or marker for detailed information.
Map Legend
■ Phase 1 (2025-2035) | ■ Phase 2 (2035-2045) | ■ Phase 3 (2045-2055)
Key Project Locations
Data Source: Tog Wajaale Municipal GIS Unit | Last Updated: April 2024
Development Scenarios
The plan considers low, medium, and high growth scenarios to prepare for different futures:
- Low Growth: Focus on basic infrastructure and controlled expansion.
- Medium Growth: Balanced development with emphasis on sustainability.
- High Growth: Aggressive economic and infrastructure scaling.
Progress Reports
As of Q1 2026, the plan has completed its technical preparation phase and is now entering the early implementation stage. Below is the official progress report submitted to regional authorities.
Urban Expansion Plan Directorate
Tog-Wajaale City Administration
Investment & Partnership Opportunities
Tog Wajaale's strategic expansion presents unique, high-impact opportunities aligned with national growth and regional integration goals. The following sectors have been prioritized for investment and partnership. We invite collaboration with international donors, private investors, and development partners.
Core Infrastructure & Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
- Primary Road Network & Utilities: Co-financing and construction contracts for Phase 1 arterial roads (12.3 km), drainage systems, and water distribution networks. Estimated value: USD 35-45 million
- Wastewater Treatment Plant: Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) opportunity for a modern facility serving 50,000+ residents in the expansion area. Estimated value: USD 15-20 million
- Solid Waste Management: Investment in recycling facilities and waste-to-energy conversion plant. Estimated value: USD 8-12 million
Housing & Real Estate Development
- Mixed-Income Housing Projects: 2,500+ planned serviced plots available for large-scale development of residential units across different market segments. Land available: 85 hectares
- Commercial Corridors Development: Prime land for shopping complexes, hotels, and office spaces along new primary roads. Prime commercial plots: 120+ available
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) & Logistics
- Light Manufacturing & Agro-Processing: Incentivized plots within a designated 40-hectare SEZ near the border crossing. Tax holidays: 5-7 years available
- Dry Port & Logistics Hub: Joint venture for the development of a modern logistics center with customs facilities, warehousing, and truck parking. Estimated value: USD 25-35 million
Climate & Community Resilience Projects
- Urban Green Spaces & Parks: Grant funding and technical partnership for the "Green Network" implementation (45 hectares of parks and recreational areas).
- Solar Energy Micro-Grids: Pilot projects for renewable energy in public infrastructure and residential areas.
- Community Facility Co-Funding: Schools, health clinics, vocational training centers, and markets open for donor naming and partnership. 10+ facilities planned
Next Steps for Potential Partners
Interested investors, donors, and partners are encouraged to:
- Review Detailed Documentation: Access pre-feasibility studies, design reports, and market analyses.
- Schedule Briefing: Contact the Project Management Unit for one-on-one or group briefings.
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Formal EOIs should outline the sector of interest and proposed partnership model.
Investment Incentives
Qualifying projects may be eligible for:
- Income tax holidays (3-7 years depending on sector and investment size)
- Duty-free import of capital goods and construction materials
- Long-term land lease arrangements (up to 50 years with renewal option)
- Fast-tracked permit processing through one-stop service
All projects align with Ethiopian investment laws (Proclamation No. 1180/2020) and may qualify for applicable national and regional incentives.
Contact & Further Information
For inquiries, partnership discussions, or detailed information about the Tog Wajaale Urban Expansion Plan, please contact the relevant offices below.
Project Management Unit
Address: Tog Wajaale Municipality Building, Main Street, Tog Wajaale, Somali Region, Ethiopia
Email: twuep.pmu@somaliregion.gov.et
Office Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (EAT), Sunday-Thursday
Project Leadership
Director, Tog Wajaale UEP: Mr. Shemshedin Hassen Yusuf
Phone: +251 911 542418
City Manager: Mr. Mohamed Dahir
Phone: +251 913 758327
Key Contacts
Mayor: +251 915 330528
Deputy Mayor: +251 915 456 066
General Inquiries: info@togwajaaleurbanplan.et
Tog-Wajaale City Administration, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia