July 10, 2026
Project discussed within the framework of China-Africa cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative
Borkena News Desk
TORONTO, Canada – A technical committee tasked for the economic transformation of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway Corridor held a meeting on Thursday.
It aims to transform the corridor “into a comprehensive economic and prosperity corridor.” It is for a third time that the committee held its meeting in Addis Ababa, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.
The committee draws membership from the Ethio-Djibouti Railway Corporation, other relevant Ethiopian government institutions, and the Chinese government represented by Chen Hai, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, and his team members.
Dewano Kedir, Director General for Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs within Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted during the meeting that China and Ethiopia have been consulting on the project.
He framed the project as one that “reflects the growing Ethio-China partnership and serves as a symbol of strengthened cooperation under the framework of China-Africa cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative.”
Ambassador Chen Hai on his part sees Ethio-Djibouti Railway project “as a model of development cooperation between the two countries.”
He also expressed China’s commitment to strengthen cooperation with Ethiopia including in the fields of transportation, mining, manufacturing and logistics areas.
The development plan for upgrading Ethio-Djibouti Railway was presented at the meeting. Ethiopia aims to transform the project “multi-sector prosperity corridor, focusing on maximizing its economic potential,” as Dewano Kedir explained.
Enchanting trade links between Djibouti and Ethiopia, Improving railway service, significant logistic cost cuts, facilitating trade, expanding freight and passenger transport capacity and promoting regional economic integration in the Horn of Africa are among the key expected outcomes of the project transformation.
Djibouti remains Ethiopia’s primary import and export outlet. According to sources, Djibouti generates over $2 billion a year from port fees and cargo service from Ethiopia.
The 752 kilometers electrified railway line connects Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa to Djibouti’s port. The project cost ,which is said to be over $4 billion, was covered with loan arrangements from China under the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative.
__
Join our Telegram Channel: t.me/borkena
Like borkena on Facebook