Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway Sets New Record: Moving 9.5 Million Tons of Cargo and Increasing Revenue by 39% Annually

Data provided by the railway’s management team indicates that 7,700 freight trains have been operated, carrying 9.5 million tons of cargo. The railway has generated a commercial transport revenue of 11.3 billion Ethiopian birr (equal to approximately 197 million U.S. dollars) during this period.

Since 2018, the railway has expanded its reach in the freight market and enhanced its services. This includes offerings such as cold-chain transportation, village commuter trains, and specialized trains for automobile transport.

Furthermore, the railway has opened up new development opportunities along its route. It connects the sea ports in Djibouti to dry ports and industrial parks in Ethiopia, a landlocked country.

Recently, the Chinese management consortium overseeing the Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway officially handed over management responsibility to the respective governments after six years of successful operation. ■