Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 22 January 2025 – The Ethio-Logistics Sectoral Association (ELSA), in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA), is hosting a two-day conference aimed at improving trade and addressing barriers within the Ethiopia-Djibouti trade corridor. Supported by the European Union (EU) through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the conference, which began yesterday, concludes today, 22 January 2025, with a follow-up event scheduled for April in Djibouti.
Dr Kassahun Gofe, the Minister of Trade and Regional Integration “Ministry of trade is committed to implement measures that enhance business opportunities and promote trade. We will continue creating an environment that encourages growth and prosperity for all as we advance regional business integration.”
This conference highlights the critical role of the Ethio-Djibouti corridor, which handles 90% of Ethiopia’s foreign trade. Three years ago, the EU launched a €32 million programme in partnership with AFD and TMA to enhance the corridor’s efficiency, reduce trade costs, and streamline cross-border transactions. The initiative has focused on trade facilitation, major value chain support, and sustainable, inclusive trade practices, particularly benefiting women traders and vulnerable groups. Key projects under this programme include the implementation of a Fleet Management System, alignment with WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement standards, and the improvement of Ethio-Djibouti Corridor Management. On the Ethiopian side, efforts include enhancing logistics competitiveness, promoting AfCFTA awareness, deploying an e-Phyto certification system, and strengthening the corridor’s coordination and management. Collectively, these initiatives aim to position the corridor as a model of efficiency, sustainability, and inclusivity in African trade.
The conference has brought together private logistics providers, traders, government representatives, and industry leaders to discuss practical solutions for streamlining trade processes, increasing productivity, and overcoming logistical challenges. The overarching goal is to transform the corridor into a driver of economic growth and regional integration.
ELSA President, Mrs. Elizabeth Getahun, emphasized:
“ELSA’s primary goal is to strengthen economic ties and drive sustainable growth through impactful business partnerships. This conference provides a platform to address trade challenges, explore new opportunities, and enhance productivity while fostering direct dialogue among high-level decision-makers, industry leaders, and traders. By building these connections, we pave the way for deeper bilateral trade relationships and stronger regional integration.”
Ewnetu Taye Chufa, TMA Ethiopia Country Director, added:
“Collaboration is essential to transforming the Ethiopia-Djibouti corridor into a dynamic engine of economic growth. Through TradeMark Africa’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive trade, this initiative ensures practical solutions that enable seamless operations for all stakeholders—from large exporters to small-scale traders. By addressing systemic inefficiencies, we seek to unlock the region’s full economic potential while fostering equity and resilience in trade systems.”
The upcoming April event in Djibouti will build on the outcomes of this conference, addressing region-specific trade and logistical challenges. Stakeholders will explore strategies to harmonize trade policies, remove non-tariff barriers, and enhance operational efficiencies to further strengthen the Ethiopia-Djibouti trade corridor.
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