Ethiopia embarks on a colossal railway line project

Ethiopia is embarking on an ambitious infrastructure project: the completion of a colossal railway line connecting Addis Ababa to the Red Sea.

This transformative rail network, particularly the Addis Ababa–Massawa line, is set to boost the nation’s economy by drastically reducing transportation times for freight and cutting costs, improving access to maritime trade through Djibouti’s ports.

Economic boost

As the largest landlocked country by population, with over 101 million people, Ethiopia relies heavily on road transport for the vast majority of its imports and exports. The railway line will be a game-changer, reducing the current 10-hour journey over poor roads to under 20 hours by train. With 90% of Ethiopia’s trade passing through Djibouti, this new rail link is expected to ease logistical bottlenecks, promote smoother trade, and reduce transport costs by at least one-third.

The project is also a key part of Ethiopia’s strategy to develop a more integrated high-speed rail network, connecting major cities across Africa. These future links, such as to Mekele in the north, Moyale near Kenya in the south, and Gambella in the west near South Sudan, will further enhance regional trade and mobility.

The rail system’s transition from being China-funded to now being fully operated by the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company addresses earlier operational challenges. This marks a new phase for the project, ensuring better maintenance, reliable operation, and sustainability.

In addition to its economic benefits, the railway line promises environmental advantages by significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions compared to road transport. This initiative has already sparked a rise in engineering and project management training programs at Addis Ababa University, equipping over 300 master’s students with the skills to support this and other national projects, ultimately boosting employment in the country.