The UK has signed an agreement with Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia aimed at tackling the causes of instability in the region.
Speaking to the BBC, UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said the agreement – worth some $12.5m (£9.9m) – will support the three countries to come up with policies in their fight against terrorism.
This is the first time high-level officials from Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia have accepted international support to address a common problem along their borders.
These borderlands are usually isolated and insecure, which makes it difficult for countries to monitor threats.
Mr Tugendhat believes that al-Shabab militants conduct terror activities in these areas because there is no governing authority.
The militants have carried out a series of attacks within the region in recent months and the group remains a threat.
The funding from the UK is also aimed at empowering local communities to effectively report suspected terror-related incidents.