Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (FMC) — The Ethiopian government will continue to intensify the development of qualified manpower in the logistics sector, Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime (PhD) said on Tuesday.
The minister made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of the Young Ethiopian Women Logisticians Program (YEWLP), held in Addis Ababa.
The ceremony celebrated young women hailing from all regional states and city administrations who successfully completed a 10-month professional training program designed to build the logistics sector’s knowledge, skills, and expertise.
Funded by the World Bank and executed in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and partners, the program reflects the government’s commitment to inclusiveness in the sector.
Minister Alemu noted that the all-women cohort marks a new chapter for the industry, and the graduates’ enhanced capacities are expected to accelerate the growth, efficiency, and competitiveness of the logistics sector.
He emphasized that the logistics sector plays a vital role in driving national economic growth, supporting import and export trade, and enhancing the country’s competitiveness. Strengthening the sector through skilled manpower is therefore central to sustaining and expanding these gains.
The minister highlighted that the Ethiopian government has prioritized the logistics sector over the past five years, including through the preparation and implementation of the national logistics sector strategy.
Minister Alemu noted that the YEWLP training program is a testament to the government’s commitment to inclusiveness, highlighting that the all-women cohort marks a new chapter in the logistics sector.
He said the graduates’ enhanced capacities are expected to expedite the growth, efficiency, and competitiveness of the sector. He further indicated that the graduates are exemplars of diversity, coming from all corners of the country.
He called on the graduates to apply the skills and lessons gained during their training in their workplaces and serve the country with the discipline and dedication developed through the program.
“The program equips professionals with the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to deliver high-quality logistics services,” Alemu said.
He stressed the importance of producing professionals who understand the sector and can provide efficient, reliable, and modern services.
He further highlighted that strengthening digitally supported systems is essential to enhance service competitiveness, safety, and overall quality across the logistics sector.
Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Maritime Authority (EMA), Fraol Tafa, said the program’s focus on deploying young women in logistics will have a lasting impact.
He added that it will improve service competitiveness, create employment opportunities, and increase women’s participation in the sector.
Meanwhile, Engineer Desalegn Getahun, Construction Manager of the Modjo Green Logistics Center, said the deployment of trained young women has already begun.
He added that consultations are underway with companies operating in the logistics sector to establish linkages and facilitate employment opportunities for the graduates.