Cosmos Multimodal Transport Operators (MTO) has entered into a strategic land lease agreement with the Gada Special Economic Zone Development Corporat
Cosmos Multimodal Transport Operators (MTO) has entered into a strategic land lease agreement with the Gada Special Economic Zone Development Corporation (GSEZ) to enhance logistics operations within the facility. This partnership marks a key milestone in Ethiopia’s logistics sector, allowing Cosmos to establish a strong presence in a crucial logistics hub in the central-eastern region of the country.
GSEZ, which operates under the Oromia regional administration, is providing Cosmos with access to this vital logistics center, supporting the company’s expansion strategy. Cosmos MTO is a joint venture between Gada Transport and Logistics SC and Tradepath International Plc. It is one of the three newly licensed non-vessel operating MTOs working to introduce competition to a sector traditionally dominated by state-owned Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics.
The company currently manages a 15-hectare terminal in Mojo, an important logistics hub situated 75 kilometers east of Addis Ababa, near the Mojo Dry Port and the railway line that connects to Djibouti’s ports. With this new agreement, finalized on February 10 at GSEZ’s headquarters in Adama—85 kilometers east of Addis Ababa—Cosmos is set to further strengthen its logistics capabilities.
Efficient logistics
GSEZ Director General Motuma Temesgen emphasized the importance of efficient logistics in economic growth. He reiterated the organization’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for logistics providers and industrial players, ultimately contributing to Ethiopia’s economic progress.
Getu Hunduma, CEO of Gada Transport and Logistics, highlighted the company’s extensive experience in inland transportation, having operated a fleet of 190 trucks for freight forwarding and import-export logistics. With the establishment of Cosmos, the company is expanding into multimodal transport services. He noted that the newly leased land within the economic zone will facilitate trade activities, while the existing terminal in Mojo will undergo restructuring to improve multimodal services.
Dawit Woubeshet, CEO of Cosmos, expressed confidence in the company’s readiness to begin operations, emphasizing the essential role of logistics in economic development. He pointed out that the new site will support the increasing economic activities within the special economic zone, while the Mojo facility will focus on multimodal operations.
Construction of warehouses, cold storage units, and other essential infrastructure is already in progress at the Gada Transport site. According to Motuma, improving Ethiopia’s logistics sector is crucial, as inefficiencies have contributed to high import costs and lower-than-expected export revenues. The development of a logistics park within GSEZ aims to address these challenges, fostering a more competitive and efficient logistics ecosystem.
The park has already attracted investors from Asia, the Gulf States, and Ethiopia, supporting industrial and agro-processing activities. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently announced the establishment of the Lume Free Trade Zone within GSEZ—Ethiopia’s second free trade zone after Dire Dawa—expanding opportunities for trade and investment.
Over the long term, GSEZ plans to extend its development across more than 23,000 hectares between Adama and Mojo, creating a comprehensive infrastructure hub to attract diverse economic players. The partnership with Cosmos underscores GSEZ’s commitment to delivering coordinated, technology-driven, and cost-effective logistics solutions.
Motuma stressed the need for advanced logistics services in economic zones, highlighting Ethiopia’s strong position in airfreight logistics and the broader goal of making logistics more efficient and affordable for businesses.