Ethio-Djibouti Railway repositions containers to accelerate coffee and grain exports

Addis Ababa, June 16, 2025 (FMC) — Ethio-Djibouti Railway S.C. (EDR) has repositioned 104 empty 20-foot containers from the Port of Djibouti to the Indode Freight Yard in Addis Ababa, in a strategic move to enhance Ethiopia’s export logistics and support the country’s growing trade in coffee, cereals, and other key commodities.

The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and is part of a broader effort to address container shortages and streamline end-to-end logistics services for Ethiopian exporters.

“These containers will soon be filled with high-quality coffee, cereals, and other export products destined for global markets,” said EDR CEO Takele Uma. “And this is just the beginning—we are working to reposition more containers to keep trade flowing smoothly.”

Takele expressed gratitude to the Ethiopian Customs Authority, MSC partners, and EDR’s logistics team for ensuring the operation was seamless and efficient.

Ms. Mentesnot Yohannes, EDR’s Global Logistics Director, emphasized the initiative’s impact on addressing the chronic shortage of 20-foot containers available inside Ethiopia.

She told Fana Media Corporation that sourcing these containers directly through Djibouti and availing them locally will reduce exporters’ dependency on port-based services.

“This move will not only save exporters time and cost at the Port of Djibouti,” she noted, “but also ensure that goods—particularly coffee—are packaged domestically under optimal conditions, preserving quality and minimizing spoilage during transport.”

A directive has been set to prioritize the proper handling and export of coffee and similar high-value commodities, in a manner that safeguards their quality and market value.

By bringing containers inland and coordinating closely with key logistics partners, EDR is enhancing Ethiopia’s export readiness while supporting the country’s ambition for greater competitiveness in global trade.

The latest initiative reflects EDR’s growing role in Ethiopia’s export-driven economic strategy, offering integrated logistics solutions that empower producers and exporters across sectors.