It has also emerged that the Ministry of Transport and Logistics has plans to extend the network of alternative harbors to make the logistics network more efficient, less expensive, and friendly enough to transport goods across the country.
Besides Djibouti, the Ministry has, during this fiscal year, tightened its focus on the ports of Tajura, Berbera, and Mombasa, says Management Executive Officer Askale Tekle in an Exclusive interview with the Ethiopian Press Agency. The plan was to reduce excessive port expenses, ensure timely delivery of goods, and prevent perishables from perishing.
Alternative ways will cost cheap to Ethiopia
Using different ports in a different way will enhance cost-effectiveness, attractiveness, and accessibility in all directions with our neighbors,” Askale said.
Final agreements have been reached to improve road transport ties with neighboring countries, including Djibouti, which will help simplify import and export procedures.
83% of the Ethiopian products handled in the past year came through Djibouti Port, while the rest 17% went through other alternative mentioned above. The ministry is also working towards digitalizing the entire transportation system by 2025 to improve passenger experience and fasten operations in terminals with high volume travellers.
The officer has also revealed that there were currently 232 national public transportation lines in Ethiopia, while 36 more national road transport routes will soon be opened to local passenger traffic. Boarding and disembarking are facilitated at Addisu Gebeya, Asko, Ayer Tena, Kaliti, Lamberet, and AutobisTera, the city’s six main transit ports. In Kaliti, a prototype terminal is currently under construction and will be finished soon.
For this budget year, the ministry also plans to extend the application of electric vehicles and safe mass transit. Full enforcement will start next year. Incentives have been given to encourage the importation of new electric vehicles.
Increasingly, the private sector is getting involved in transport services, including multimodal, where three players come on board to enhance efficiency. Askale clarified that his ministry had also signed Memorandums of Understanding with artificial intelligence firms to upgrade the system, including ticketing and terminal control. This is supposed to enhance transport management a great deal and boost the economy of the country.