Ethiopia Must Modernize Railways to Realize Regional Hub Vision, Says Deputy PM

Addis Ababa, August 2, 2025 (ENA)— Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has underscored the critical importance of developing a modern, high-speed, and high-quality railway network to transform Ethiopia into a regional transportation hub.

Speaking during the annual performance review of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway Transport Share Company, the Deputy Prime Minister described the Ethio-Djibouti railway as a major national milestone and a powerful symbol of Ethiopia’s resilience and ambition.

 The event was attended by senior government officials, including Eng. Takele Uma, CEO of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway Transport Share Company, State Minister of Transport and Logistics Denge Boru, and other key stakeholders.

 Deputy PM Temesgen highlighted that Ethiopia was among the first African nations to begin railway development.

 "Today, we proudly commemorate 130 years since the launch of the Ethiopian-Djibouti Railway, a transformative project that connected Ethiopia to the world and laid the foundation for our path toward modernization," he said.

 He emphasized that the railway, inspired by the spirit of the Victory of Adwa, has always represented more than just transportation infrastructure.

 “It is a profound symbol of Ethiopia’s ambition to lead, to innovate, and to be visible on the global stage,” he stated.

 Temesgen added, “It reflects our national commitment to begin only what we intend to finish. Our past failures to follow through on key projects have hindered development, but that era is over.”

 He noted that since the change in administration, meaningful progress has been made through a renewed ethos of persistence: “We do not start what we will not finish.” This mindset, he said, has helped break the cycle of abandoned initiatives and launched a new era of execution and achievement.

 He emphasized that the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, once seen as a burden of national debt, has now become a strategic asset, powering trade, boosting national revenue, and playing a central role in Ethiopia’s transport and logistics ecosystem.

“This moment marks the start of a new chapter,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Just as our ancestors embraced modernity by building Africa’s first railway, it is now our responsibility to dream boldly, build decisively, and finish what we start. We are no longer just narrating history; we are making it.”

 He called for national unity and unwavering commitment to expanding the railway infrastructure as a vital component of Ethiopia’s journey toward prosperity.

 Temesgen also revisited Ethiopia’s original railway blueprint, which envisioned a network stretching from Djibouti to Harar, Addis Ababa, Entoto, Jimma, and the White Nile. “But only the Djibouti to Addis Ababa segment was completed due to lack of implementation continuity,” he remarked.

He assured the public that under the current transformation agenda, the government is committed to completing these unfinished segments. “We will not rest until we finish what we started,” he declared.

 Reflecting on the re-launch of the railway under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Temesgen acknowledged that the project initially faced significant operational hurdles, including financial constraints, salary delays, and service inefficiencies.

 However, he noted that key reforms, including the recruitment of skilled professionals and the integration of modern technology, have brought about significant improvements. Over the past year, the joint Ethiopian-Djiboutian management has enhanced operational efficiency and service delivery.

 The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that railway infrastructure plays a vital role in enhancing passenger mobility, trade, and investment. He called for further modernization and regional expansion of Ethiopia’s railway network.

 “Ethiopia must become a country of modern railways,” he stated. “The Ethio-Djibouti line must serve as both a foundation and an inspiration for building new corridors that connect us to all our neighbors and drive our economic transformation.”

 He concluded by urging a commitment to evidence-based planning and proactive problem-solving to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of Ethiopia’s railway sector.

 Engineer Takele Uma, CEO of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway Transport Share Company, emphasized that the Ethio-Djibouti railway is not just a cargo line, it is a critical artery for Ethiopia’s economic growth and integration with the global market.

 He traced the historical significance of the railway to the post-Adwa period, when Ethiopia’s forefathers built the original line to foster trade and global engagement. “The railway is a living symbol of the historical bond and brotherhood between Ethiopia and Djibouti,” he said.

 Despite internal and external challenges since its reactivation, Takele noted that the Ethio-Djibouti Railway has made steady progress. He credited this to the leadership and collaboration between Ethiopian and Djibouti's experts, as well as timely policy reforms.

 “Tangible improvements have been achieved through our joint efforts,” he remarked, adding that the railway today not only transports goods but also carries “Ethiopia’s hopes and long-term vision.”

 He announced the launch of a new three-year strategic plan, extending through Ethiopia’s 2020 fiscal year, designed to boost the railway’s performance and economic contribution.

 Calling the railway a “prosperity line” that links Ethiopia and Djibouti to international markets, Takele affirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening operations and delivering sustainable results.

 “We aim to improve our performance, achieve higher goals, and repay the infrastructure debt through internally generated revenue,” he concluded. “With the reforms we’ve launched, we are ready to contribute meaningfully to the country’s forward momentum.”