Ethio-Djibouti Railway, China Civil Engineering Corporation Sign Technical Consultancy Agreement   

Addis Ababa, December 9, 2025 (ENA) – The Ethio-Djibouti Railway (EDR) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) have signed a five-year technical consultancy agreement set to commence in January 2026 in Addis Ababa.

Since the inauguration of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway in 2018 as a flagship Belt and Road initiative project, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has delivered over 2,400 days of uninterrupted, safe service, it was learned.

The strategic partnership signed today reinforces the decades of collaboration and aligns with Ethiopia’s ambitious vision to upgrade its transport infrastructure and regional connectivity.

During the signing of the Technical Consultancy Service Agreement, Ethio-Djibouti Railway CEO Takele Uma emphasized the significance of this joint venture, stating that it will provide critical technical expertise as Ethiopia embarks on extensive projects spanning highways, railways, and port development.

 

 

“Our collaboration with CCECC leverages their deep experience within Ethiopia to enhance our railway network,” Takele said, highlighting the shared commitment to linking the railway to key industrial parks along the route.

This new phase of cooperation reflects a broader national agenda, establishing a fully integrated transport network that connects Ethiopia with the entire Horn of Africa.

 

 

“We are not only starting construction on the railway to the industrial parks but also planning further lines to ensure comprehensive regional connectivity,” the CEO explained.

China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ethiopia CEO, Li Qingyong, affirmed the companie's joint dedication to improving the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway.

He highlighted CCECC’s key technical services under the new agreement, including rigorous quality evaluations and tailored training programs, aimed at enhancing local workforce capabilities.

 

 

The objective is to empower Ethiopian technicians to independently manage and operate the railway infrastructure sustainably.

The five-year collaboration sets a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure development, combining international expertise with Ethiopia’s drive for modernized, self-sufficient transportation networks.