Addis Ababa/London, 30 October 2025: Ethiopia’s logistics sector is taking a decisive leap toward efficiency and global competitiveness as a delegation of Ethiopian freight forwarders and newly licensed multimodal transport operators (MTOs) visits the United Kingdom for a week-long knowledge exchange hosted by the British International Freight Association (BIFA).
The mission is part of the UK International Development financed programme implemented by TradeMark Africa (TMA) through TripleLine, under the broader Horn of Africa Corridor Efficiency Enhancement Project. It builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year between the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Ship Agents Association (EFFSAA) and BIFA, which sets a long-term framework for cooperation aimed at strengthening Ethiopia’s freight forwarding industry.
Freight logistics account for nearly 40% of the cost of goods traded in Ethiopia, compared with a global average of around 20% (World Bank, 2023), making efficient logistics essential to reducing prices and boosting exports. By strengthening association governance, professional standards, and multimodal capabilities, the partnership will help lower logistics costs, streamline customs procedures, and increase Ethiopia’s trade competitiveness across the Horn of Africa.
Through the UK International Development-supported initiative, BIFA is sharing its experience in freight forwarding governance, member services, and competency development. The collaboration includes the creation of Competency Standards and Standard Trading Conditions (STCs) adapted for Ethiopia, a training-of-trainers (ToT) programme for EFFSAA staff to ensure sustainable local capacity, and a Value Proposition and Roadmap to guide EFFSAA’s institutional growth and member services. The UK visit features practical sessions at ports, logistics hubs, and insurance and digital service providers, giving participants the opportunity to observe international best practices firsthand.
The United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Darren Welch, said: “This partnership exemplifies the UK’s commitment to Ethiopia’s economic transformation. By investing in logistics capacity and professional standards, we’re helping to unlock trade opportunities that will benefit businesses and communities across Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa region. This is modern development partnership in action- combining UK expertise with Ethiopian ambition to drive sustainable, locally-led growth.”
Dawit Woubishet, Chairperson of EFFSAA, highlighted the transformative potential for local businesses: “EFFSAA and its members see this partnership as transformative. We are strengthening our capacity, improving service quality, and creating a dynamic business environment that empowers Ethiopian freight forwarders to operate to global standards.”
Steve Parker, Director General of BIFA, underpinned the mutual benefits of the partnership, stating: “This partnership embodies our shared commitment to advancing logistics professionalism. By combining UK expertise with EFFSAA’s local insight, we are fostering innovation, high standards, and sustainable growth that can position Ethiopia as a competitive trade hub in the Horn of Africa.”
Ewnetu Taye, Country Director for TMA Ethiopia, added: “This mission turns commitment into action. By transferring UK logistics know-how into Ethiopia’s emerging multimodal framework, we are helping the private sector cut inefficiencies, build confidence, and support the government’s vision of becoming a regional logistics hub by 2030.”
The partnership also aligns with Ethiopia’s preparations to host the FIATA World Congress 2027, which will showcase the nation’s logistics reforms on a global platform. With FCDO’s support, this collaboration marks a major step in advancing the country’s logistics transformation agenda, driving investment, creating employment, and promoting sustainable trade across the Horn of Africa.