Ethiopia’s Logistics Sector Enters New Digital Phase as ESL Modernizes Port and Cargo Services

Addis Ababa, September 5, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL) has launched a digital customer self-service platform as part of efforts to modernize Ethiopia’s port and cargo operations, streamline import and export procedures, and reduce reliance on paper-based processes.

The web and mobile platform provides customers with digital access to services including customer registration, cargo tracking, booking, demurrage management, digital payments and complaints handling. It also incorporates AI-supported chatbots to provide faster assistance to users.

Senior officials from the Ethiopian Maritime Authority, ESL, Ethio-Djibouti Railway Share Company and the National Bank of Ethiopia, as well as representatives of private banks, import and export businesses and other industry stakeholders, attended the launch ceremony.

Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Maritime Authority Fraol Tafa said digital technologies are increasingly transforming nearly every aspect of daily life and have become essential to modern logistics operations.

He said terminal management systems would also be introduced soon, further transforming Ethiopia’s logistics sector by making operations smarter and more efficient. He added that investments in the logistics sector ultimately benefit consumers and urged public and private stakeholders to adopt modern digital systems to reduce costs, improve cargo tracking and strengthen service delivery.

ESL CEO Abdulber Shemsu Ahmed said the new platform forms part of the company’s broader modernization efforts to respond to the demands of Ethiopia’s rapidly growing economy.

He said the digital application would enhance service delivery by enabling customers to access services more efficiently while reducing delays associated with previous procedures.

According to ESL, the platform integrates previously fragmented processes and eliminates manual paperwork that had contributed to delays and errors, thereby reducing transaction times and improving operational efficiency.

CEO of Ethio-Djibouti Railway Share Company Takele Uma welcomed the initiative, highlighting the government’s support for ongoing reforms in the logistics sector. He said the technology would enable customers to receive improved and more effective services, adding that the government is working to transform ESL into a leading logistics institution in East Africa.

The platform is aligned with the Digital Ethiopia 2030 agenda, which seeks to accelerate end-to-end digital transformation across the country’s trade corridors.

ESL said it will continue investing in digital technologies to improve efficiency, accuracy and competitiveness across its operations, enabling businesses and consumers to access faster and more reliable logistics services while reducing operational costs.