Ethiopia Advances Green Mobility and Maritime Transport Strategy, Says Minister

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia is moving forward with its Green Mobility Strategy and developing maritime transport by securing access to the sea, Transportation and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime said on Tuesday.

Addressing the House of People’s Representatives on the activities of his ministry, Minister Alemu highlighted the country’s determination to achieve its development goals and gain sea access.

To improve trade efficiency, the government has increased competition in the logistics sector, expanding the number of licensed multi-modal transport operators from one to seven.

The Minister also announced the rapid digitalization of processes, noting that the initiative will establish a highly efficient, seamless digital trade corridor. A paperless system developed by the Information Network Security Agency (INSA) is set to integrate with Djibouti’s logistics network within weeks.

The reforms aim to strengthen regional ties, with Ethiopia actively establishing shared transport corridors with Djibouti and South Sudan to enhance trade and connectivity across the Horn of Africa.

“Guided by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s vision, the government is driving a decisive shift toward a climate‑resilient economy,” Alemu said. He added that the strategy includes strong incentives for electric vehicles and new laws to limit older, high‑polluting vehicles, reducing emissions and urban congestion.

The strategy also promotes the adoption of natural gas for buses and heavy-duty trucks, alongside significant investments in pedestrian and bicycle pathways.

On maritime transport, Minister Alemu described Ethiopia’s landlocked status as a “historical colonial sabotage” that the current generation must overcome, noting support from the United Nations and the Awaza Programme of Action.

He said the Ethiopian delegation at the Turkmenistan meeting emphasized the need for maritime transport through Red Sea access to support national development.

Fetih Mahdi, Deputy Chair of the House Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee, highlighted the importance of utilizing diverse transport modes. “As one of the world’s 32 landlocked developing countries, Ethiopia stands to gain significant benefits from this program,” Mahdi said, adding that improved transit corridors will reduce transportation costs and accelerate trade flows.

Minister Alemu confirmed that the ministry is committed to strengthening multilateral cooperation, using multiple ports, and improving transit through digital systems, signaling a strong national drive toward an efficient, sustainable, and connected future.